Musician urges government to revive industries and address substance abuse as Nigeria marks Independence Day anniversary

Veteran Nigerian musician Chinagorom Onuoha, popularly known as African China, has hinted at the possibility of joining active politics after years of steering clear of the political space. The Lagos-born artiste made this disclosure during an interview on Sunday, where he expressed worry about the direction Nigeria is heading and the challenges facing young people across the country.

African China, whose songs have long addressed social and political issues, said his desire for a better Nigeria is pushing him to consider political involvement. He explained that while he previously focused on activism, he now believes that activists alone are not effecting sufficient change. “I might. In the past, I was always running away from politics. I just wanted to be an activist, but people are not taking us where we want to. However, I do not want to learn from people I don’t want to end up like,” he stated.

The singer further highlighted deep-rooted problems facing Nigerian youths, warning that merely handing over leadership to a new generation will not solve the country’s issues if corruption and disregard for the rule of law persist. “Even when some people advocate giving the youth an opportunity, who do you want to give an opportunity to? Somebody you have taught nothing? All they have been taught is corruption,” African China noted. He added that unless government addresses gaps in Nigeria’s legal framework, change would remain elusive: “If they hand over power to the youth today, there will not be much difference if they don’t fix the law.”

On substance abuse among young Nigerians, African China expressed concern over rising rates and called for urgent intervention. “I can categorically tell you that 80% of youths are involved in substance abuse,” he said. “So many young people I have come across today are either smoking one thing or another. It’s like if you’re not, you don’t belong.”

Reflecting on his music career and hits such as ‘Mr President’, African China clarified that his songs were always a response to persistent national challenges rather than nostalgia for a better era. “Some people see me and say, ‘That time when you sang that song (Mr President), Nigeria was still good.’ It was not good. If Nigeria was good then, I wouldn’t have sung about it… It is worse now.”

He also called on government to prioritise local production by reviving moribund industries and reducing dependence on imports. According to him, creating an enabling environment for businesses and factories will help strengthen Nigeria’s economy: “If they could bring back those companies, start building infrastructure… it would help. We should start importing machines that will actually do the work and allow us to produce.”

Speaking on Independence Day celebrations, African China lamented that the significance has faded over time. “Independence Day was supposed to be a day to remember… Personally, Independence Day is just another day. We talk about it, celebrate it, and then go back to our normal lives like it doesn’t mean anything anymore,” he said.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/african-china-considers-entering-politics-2026093023480891151