News

September 20, 2024

Over 60 youth groups distance selves from Oct. 1 protest

NYCN tasks youths on support for security agencies; commends NYSC, JAMB for youth agenda

Youth

Frontline leaders of over 60 youth organisations have declared their members would not participate in the national protest being planned by some persons and groups for October 1, against the Federal Government.

President of Nigeria Youth Organisation, Duke Alamboye, made the disclosure when he led a delegation of representatives of the groups on a courtesy visit to the Administrator of  Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in Abuja, yesterday.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, the youth bodies include the National Youth Congress, Arewa Youth Council, Yoruba Youth Council, Ohaneze Youth Council, South-South Advocate, Niger Delta Coalition, the Nigeria Nexus, Youth Parliament of Nigeria, Green Africa Youth Initiative, Youth Foundation for Non-Violence in Nigeria, Niger Delta Youth Parliament, National Association of Nigerian Students, and Youth Empowerment for Peace and Security, among others.

Alamboye said that they would work together with a network of other youth groups to ensure that Nigerian youths were not misled into taking part in any ill-advised protest against the Federal Government.

He said they would carry out a series of activities in the days ahead, including a world press conference and a youth summit, to sensitise Nigerians on the need to shun any demonstration in the country.

Alamboye urged youths to embrace constructive dialogue and explore available channels of engagement with the government to express their views instead of disrupting the peace and stability of the nation.

He said: “Concerning the state of the nation, we are not unaware of the agitation from certain quarters calling for a nationwide protest on October 1, 2024. It is a protest against President Bola Tinubu’s government.

“As youth leaders and lovers of peace and national advancement, the Nigeria Youth Organisation will like to inform you of our plan and intention to hold a world press conference on September 23, 2024, geared towards sensitizing the average Nigerian youth on the need to shun the planned protest.

“We want people to seek dialogue as a better reconciliation tool for venting their grievances. We also hope to organise a summit on October 1, 2024, as a follow-up to the world press conference. We anticipate that all well-meaning stakeholders will play vital roles in charting a better cause for our youths.”

The youth leader congratulated Otuaro on his appointment and commended the President for putting a square peg in a square hole through the appointment of Otuaro.“He stressed that they were solidly behind Tinubu and the PAP boss.