The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has cancelled this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) celebrations in solidarity with the #EndBadGovernance protesters who recently lost their lives.
President of NYCN, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, said the decision reflects the council’s profound concern over the severe economic hardship and widespread hunger currently impacting millions of Nigerians.
Sukubo said in light of the ongoing economic crisis, marked by rising inflation, high unemployment rates, and growing discontent among the youth, the NYCN believed it is necessary to prioritise addressing these pressing issues over celebratory events.
In a statement, he said the council has submitted a detailed position paper to the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; and the National Assembly, containing recommendations to alleviate current hardships and strengthen the role of Nigerian youth in national security intelligence.
“We urgently call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider and act upon the following key recommendations:
National Youth Conference:* Convene a National Youth Conference to facilitate dialogue between government officials and youth leaders, aimed at identifying critical issues and proposing solutions to the economic challenges.
“Youth Intervention Program:* Launch a national peer-to-peer program to reduce support for protests by providing constructive engagement opportunities for the youth.
“Economic Relief Measures:* Implement immediate relief measures, including subsidies on essential goods, job creation programs targeting youth, and support for SMEs to boost employment.
“Education and Skill Development:* Invest in vocational training and educational programs aligned with industry needs, in collaboration with private sector companies.
“Agricultural Support:* Enhance support for young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs through grants, loans, and training programs to improve food production and reduce prices.
“Healthcare Access:* Improve access to affordable healthcare, particularly for low-income families and the unemployed, by expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and increasing funding for public health facilities.
“Public Transportation:* Subsidize and improve public transportation to reduce commuting costs and improve access to job opportunities.
“Transparency and Accountability:* Ensure transparency and accountability in economic policy implementation through regular updates and open communication to build trust and effective resource use,” he stated.
The NYCN president urged President Tinubu to prioritise these recommendations, adding that swift and decisive action will address immediate economic challenges and restore hope and stability in the nation.
