In preparation for the planned protest, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has mobilized its 104 affiliate youth groups, directing them to remain on standby.
This directive was communicated through a statement released by NYCN President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, after an emergency meeting with the National Executive, 36 state chairmen, and other key stakeholders.
They had the meeting via Zoom. The focus of the meeting was on the urgent socio-economic challenges and the widespread hardship affecting Nigerian citizens, particularly the youth.
Some key points from the NYCN Communique are as follows:
- Recognition of Challenges: The NYCN acknowledged the severe socio-economic issues facing Nigeria, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and general hardship. The council emphasized the urgent need for action to address these problems.
- The NYCN called on all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and the media, to support their efforts and work together towards finding solutions for a better Nigeria.
- The NYCN announced plans to consult widely with various stakeholders. The essence of these consultations is to ensure an extensive awareness of the issues and to formulate a collective response.
The nationwide protest planned for August has its origins in the rising socio-economic concerns in Nigeria.
Over recent years, citizens have grappled with escalating inflation, widespread insecurity, and soaring unemployment rates, which have significantly impacted negatively on their daily lives.
These challenges have extremely hit the youth hard, leading to increased frustration and demands for immediate government action.
NYCN has been at the forefront of emphasizing these issues and calling for comprehensive reforms but the government over time has done nothing.
The response the government has to the growing discontent and the looming nationwide protest is to issue several warnings and threats to NYCN not to commence the planned protest.
Stating that they have reiterated their commitment to addressing the nation’s issues through dialogue and policy changes.
The directive to the 104 affiliate youth groups to remain on standby indicates the NYCN’s readiness to mobilize for the planned protest, despite government threats.
