Veteran Nigerian rapper Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss, has voiced strong criticism against the Nigerian government, accusing it of systematically failing the country’s youth.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Real Shareholders podcast, Illbliss painted a grim picture of the current socio-political climate, describing the mental, economic, and emotional state of Nigeria’s younger generation as “defeated.”

“The government has woefully failed young people in this country in recent years,” the rapper declared. “I know boys telling me, ‘Oga boss, we dey street, we dey press because government no send.’ That’s their reality.”

Illbliss also delved into the shifting value system among the youth, criticizing the normalization of substance abuse, internet fraud, and an entitlement culture, which he attributes to a toxic blend of neglect and misplaced social influence.

“This generation celebrates not just mediocrity, but also lack of decision. Everything is ‘cool,’” he said. “Under the cool theory, people are allowed to overdose on drugs, to not work and yet feel entitled.”

The rapper recalled a disturbing conversation with a young man who confessed to engaging in cybercrime to afford cancer medication for his mother—a testament, Illbliss says, to how desperate and disillusioned many young Nigerians have become.

“It’s a tough time being a young person in Nigeria,” he concluded. “It’s a tough time aging in Nigeria. It’s a tough time even being born in Nigeria.”

Ongoing Advocacy

Known not just for his music but also his outspoken political commentary, Illbliss has repeatedly used his platform to highlight Nigeria’s deepening inequality, broken infrastructure, and youth disenfranchisement. His comments reflect growing unrest and dissatisfaction among the country’s young population.

As of now, government officials have not responded to his remarks.