Emmanuel lkpeama
Ahead of the Nationwide planned protest slated for August 1 to August 10,the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos state chapter has kicked against the planned protest in the state and nationwide, appealing to the organisers to make use of constructive dialogue and diplomatic exercise of fundamental human rights to press home their demands for desired action.
The youths made this call during a press conference held on Saturday, at Ikeja Youth House, Lagos,
Addressing Journalists at the event which had in attendance Coordinator of the 57 local government,youth leaders of affiliated organizations, stakeholders and the executives of the youth body,the state chairman Engr. Adigun lbrahim Olalekan (MNSE) acknowledge the frustration and anger steaming from the unintended hardship in the country,but appeal to the organizers of the #EndBadGovernanceprotest# to shelve the idea and embrace dialogue with the government.
Engr Adigu went further to state that the youth body recognize the need for action and change in the country, following the fact that the nation is blessed with eviable human and natural resources but urges the protesters to come together with constructive dialogue as the governor of Lagos state does not deserve any civil unrest that could disrupt or slow down the pace of development being experienced across all sectors.
While citing the ugly experience in the previous 2020 EndSars protest that led to avoidable deaths and loss of properties,he noted that the National Youth Council of Nigeria Lagos Chapter is against any faceless protest and would not associate themselves to it, appealing to the organizers to rethink and embrace dialogue as such protest often end up being unproductive.
He said,“This noble organisation; the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter acknowledges the profound frustration and anger stemming from the unintended hardship occasioned by the economic policies of the federal government.
“We recognize the urgent need for action and change. We agree to the fact that as a nation abundantly blessed with enviable human and natural resources by God, living sustainably should not be a mirage for the vast majority,”
“However, in this challenging time, it is important that we come together with a shared vision of unity and clear understanding. We strongly believe in the power of constructive dialogue and diplomatic exercise of fundamental human rights to press home our fair demands for desired actions.”he stated.
The Youth helmsman noted that the organization which is an umbrella body for all young individuals and youth organization in the state would address issues bothering the youths as it concerns their welfare to the state government which the youth body have keenly observed that such request comes through constructive criticism and dialogue not by violent protest or any act of extremism, noting that measures have been put in place to ensure further inclusive governance by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu through his Themes+Agenda..
The Young Engineer pointed out that the administration of the youth friendly governor,Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu has done a lot in cushioning the effect of economic hardship being faced by its citizenry such as adoption of the National Youth Service Corps into the Ministry of Youths and Social Development, ensuring youths participation and officiated of the Ounje Eko discount sales across the 57 LGAs and LCDAs, commitment of 5billion for the construction of the NYSC permanent site, announcement of automatic employment for outstanding 100corps members for Batch B stream 1, financial support of N100,000 to thousands of corps members to support their sustenance and business activities and distribution of hampers of Ounje Eko food packs to thousands of youths as a palliatives measure to cushion the unintended effects of the fuel subsidy removal by the federal government and the implementation of other policies.
He disclosed that the youth organization have engaged over 3000 youth structures, bodies and stakeholders in skill acquisition training,PRO of Conference 57 with whom we discussed issues affecting the youth populace.
“However, our unwavering focus remains on creating auspicious occasions where every voice is heard, every perspective is respected, and every individual is valued. It is time for broad measures and genuine commitment from all parties involved. Governments across all levels must pay better attention to the cries of the citizens and work hand-in-hand with organizations to engender confidence.
“Moving Forward, in addition to our programs and projects to stem the economic effect and hasten our economic balance, we at the level of the National Youth Council, Lagos have set up a committee to further engage authorities across the 57 Local Governments and LCDAs in Lagos to present the demands of the youths for better governance. We will also ensure all ministries, MDAs, and Agencies that have a reflection of youth-oriented projects and activities extend dividends to the grassroots and those who deserve them”
“We are working on data collation of youths in Lagos and ensuring we categorize everyone to know what opportunity and engagement is best appropriate for each and every one of us. We hereby call on every youth especially those not affiliated with the youth council to collaborate with us on our quest to champion dialogue with the government for mutual benefits.
“To further showcase our strength, capacity, significance, magnanimity, artistry, publicity, productivity, and professionalism, we urge everyone to attend our forthcoming public demonstration tagged International Youth Week.”he submitted.
He therefore calls on all youth stakeholders to approach the situation with the spirit of cooperation so as to work together towards achieving a common goal for the nation.
