Former Presidential Aspirant, CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, Champions the Common Man, Laments Hardship Facing Young Nigerian Graduates

 Former Presidential Aspirant and founder of Better Nigeria for Better People, Chief Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, has continued to assert himself as a strong voice for the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly young graduates struggling to survive Nigeria’s increasingly harsh socio-economic environment.

Ezendigbo, who was among the leading presidential aspirants shortlisted from the Southeast geo-political zone during the last general election, spoke in a brief interview with Oriontimes on the challenges facing Nigeria’s youth and professionals.

He expressed deep concern over the growing difficulties confronting fresh graduates, citing the legal profession as a glaring example. According to him, many law graduates complete their studies only to face what he described as a “Herculean task” in obtaining the required professional seal, a situation he believes is unfair and discouraging to young Nigerians striving for excellence.

The former aspirant reiterated his long-held vision of a Nigeria where life is meaningful for all citizens and where opportunities are not restricted by privilege, bureaucracy, or corruption.

Reflecting on the last presidential election, Ezendigbo recalled his vocal opposition to vote buying and the prohibitive cost of nomination forms, which he said have continued to shut out capable and credible Nigerians from participating meaningfully in the political process. Despite his strong showing and influence, he eventually withdrew from the race in protest against what he described as systemic barriers to genuine democratic competition.

“It remains my priority to see a new Nigeria emerge,” Ezendigbo said. “We want a country where everyone is ready to do what is right, where government officials and civil servants serve the nation wholeheartedly. We must shun corruption if this nation is to move forward.”

Ezendigbo’s position adds to the growing national discourse on governance, youth inclusion, and the urgent need for reforms that place integrity, opportunity, and the welfare of citizens at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda.