On Thursday, the Coalition of Yoruba Youth leaders urged the organizers of the upcoming nationwide protest in August to abandon their plans and maintain peace.
Dr. Tolani Hassan, President-General of the coalition, released a statement in Lagos stating that the overarching body for all Yoruba youth associations and organizations was distancing itself from the protest.
Hassan, also serving as the National President of Yoruba Youths Association Worldwide, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians.
“The economic conditions are harsh, the cost of living is exorbitant, and beyond the reach of the ordinary citizen.”
“It is evident that inflation is soaring, and unemployment rates in Nigeria are alarming.”
“Many graduates are struggling to survive with no means of livelihood due to the lack of employment opportunities in recent years by the Federal Government.”
“Nevertheless, Yoruba youth leaders do not wish to witness a repeat of the ENDSARS incident, hence our plea for the cancellation of the protest and maintenance of peace,” he emphasized.
The President-General encouraged the organizers to explore alternative methods to communicate the economic hardships to the government at all levels.
“There should be more strategic ways to communicate our grievances to our leaders rather than through protests.”
“Given the current nationwide agitations and insecurity, any protest now could lead to chaos, which is not the solution to our critical issues.”
“The apex body of Yoruba youths outrightly disassociates itself from the planned protest.”
“We are committed to protecting the entire South-West region from any form of disruption by dissenting groups that may seek to cause chaos, particularly in Lagos state,” Hassan reiterated.
Similarly, Hassan emphasized the necessity of unity and highlighted the importance of dialogue as the most effective approach, suggesting that consultations offer a better route.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to listen to the concerns of the youth, describing them as “his children” who are disturbed.
“We respect you, Sir, but we are facing hunger and unemployment,” the President-General expressed.
The youth leader advised Tinubu to engage directly with all youth leaders across different regions without intermediaries to achieve tangible results.
He proposed a National Youth Summit where youth leaders from various regions could interact with the President to address prevailing issues.
While affirming the coalition’s support for the President, Hassan urged the Federal Government to reconsider both monetary and fiscal policies for the welfare of Nigerians.
He called for a joint effort from both the public and private sectors to foster substantial job creation and reduce unemployment rates.
“The economic environment should be conducive to local and foreign investors, with a complete overhaul of the power sector, which is pivotal to the economy,” highlighted Hassan.
He advocated for a revamp of the educational curriculum from primary to tertiary levels by integrating practical skills like agriculture to empower Nigerian youths to be self-reliant.
The youth leader appreciated the involvement of youths in the Federal cabinet but demanded more, urging regular engagement of youth leadership from various regions by the Federal Government.
“Youths should be allocated 35% of slots in federal cabinet and board appointments,” he proposed.
There have been reports of various Nigerian groups planning a nationwide protest from August 1 to August 10 to protest the escalating cost of living and economic challenges.
(NAN)