YENAGOA—Youths have been advised not to indulge in illegitimate activities as means of livelihood, despite the harsh economic condition of the country.
The advice was given by a Bayelsa-born saxophonist, Michael Walter popularly called Walter Sax, via a telephone interview with Mangrovepen.ng on Thursday.
He berated the growing trend of youths resorting to cybercrime and other illegal activities, saying it is against God and the law.
In his words: “While we have right to do what we want to do, we must ensure our hustle remains legitimate in order not to go against God and man (law).
“For me, unemployment and other tough conditions shouldn’t be an excuse to engage in cybercrime and the like.”
The final year petroleum engineering student of the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, hinted that he has been playing saxophone for about six years and it helps to pay his bills—including his school fees.
“I love my job because it puts a smile on people’s faces and helps to convince others that your talent can make room for you in society and bring you before kings and queens.
“People from this part of the world tend to see the saxophone as a minor instrument. But we are working hard to change that narrative for people to become proud of their talents,” Walter Sax added.
He mentioned the high cost of saxophone accessories as his greatest challenge but stated that he has, through money he gets from his performances, been able to purchase the basic accessories while still working to get more.
When asked what the government can do to help young creatives like him, he said “Government should always give opportunities to homegrown talents in every state function to express and develop their talents, and not only celebrities that have made their mark.”
He believes that Nigeria will be better if youths discover and harness their potentials, which, according to him, can be achieved if the government creates an enabling environment.
