Nigerian singer Spyro has raised concerns over what he described as the declining interest among young Nigerians in learning skilled trades, blaming changing societal values and the influence of some celebrities and public figures.
The singer made the comments while speaking on the Hardway Podcast, where he discussed the changing role of music, celebrity influence and the attitude of young people towards work.
Spyro said music previously served as a platform for addressing social problems, while celebrities were expected to use their influence responsibly.
“Back then, music was a tool to correct social vices. The kind of celebrities that we had then, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Eze Kwueku, were people that when they come out and they speak, you can see the depth.”
He said he was concerned that some of today’s celebrities had become role models for young people despite what he considers a decline in the quality of their public influence.
“These days, when you hear your celebrity or our celebrity speak, and you’re like, ‘What’s going on here?’ And these guys are the role models that the young guys are looking up to.”
The singer then turned his attention to the declining interest in skilled trades and handwork, saying he had discussed the issue with mechanics and other artisans.
According to Spyro, some of the people he spoke with complained that fewer young people were coming to learn their professions.
“The next ten years is going to be something else in this country because anytime I speak with my mechanics, for example, I speak with people that do handwork, they’re like, ‘People are no longer coming to learn.’”
He warned that the trend could eventually create difficulties for Nigerians who depend on skilled workers for essential services.
“So very soon, we are going to have to learn how to fix our cars, fix our ACs and do our electrical works by ourselves because no one is going to learn work anymore.”
Spyro attributed what he described as the changing attitude towards skilled work to the examples young people see around them, particularly people they consider mentors.
He said some young people were increasingly attracted to individuals who appear to make money without following conventional paths to employment or acquiring a trade.
“No one is going to learn because their mentors are people that make free money from being foolish and being stupid.”
His comments come amid wider concerns about the future of Nigeria’s vocational and technical skills, as young people increasingly seek alternative routes to income through entrepreneurship, technology, entertainment and social media.
While Spyro’s comments focused on his personal observations and conversations with artisans, the issue of attracting younger Nigerians into technical and vocational occupations remains relevant to the country’s workforce and skills development.
The singer’s remarks have since generated discussion online, particularly around the influence of celebrities on young people’s ambitions and the place of skilled trades in Nigeria’s economy.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
