Against the backdrop of the much-anticipated August 1st nationwide protests, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has initiated consultations and instructed its 104 affiliate organisations to remain on standby.
The planned protest said to draw the attention of government to the current hardship in the nation is scheduled for August 1 to 10 and has been causing considerable tension and eliciting diverse reactions from the government and Nigerians.
Various groups involved in the campaign have indicated that the demonstration is a response to the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties experienced by the people.
In a communiqué released on Thursday after an emergency meeting of its national executive, 36 state chairmen, and other stakeholders via Zoom, the NYCN expressed deep concern over the severe socio-economic challenges and widespread hardship faced by citizens, especially the youth.
NYCN’s President Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, in a communique on Thursday, announced that the organisation will hold a world press conference on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 to address the nation on the current issues and its stance on the upcoming protest.
The communique read, “On 24th July, 2024, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) convened a crucial meeting with its National Executive, 36 state chairmen, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on the state of the nation and the looming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.
“The meeting was held via Zoom and lasted for several hours, addressing the urgent concerns of Nigerian youths and the overall socio-economic and political climate of the country.
“NYCN leaders acknowledged that the current socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and the general hardship experienced by citizens, particularly the youth, have reached alarming levels.
“These issues have sparked widespread agitation and calls for a nationwide protest. The NYCN, as the umbrella body representing over 100 youth organisations across the country, recognises the urgency of these matters and the need for a coordinated response.
“Top of the discussion was economic hardship. The economic situation in Nigeria has deteriorated, with inflation making it difficult for many citizens to afford basic necessities, including food.
“Also of great concern to the youth leaders is unemployment, particularly among young graduates, which has reached critical levels, contributing to frustration and restlessness among the youth.
“After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted: The NYCN commits to, in the next 4 days, consult widely with various stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues.
“A world press conference will be held on Wednesday, 31st July, 2024, where the NYCN leadership will address the nation on the current state of affairs and state its position on the planned protest.
“NYCN leaders advise their millions of members, 774 local government branches, wards, state and zonal chapters, NYCN in diaspora, Man O’ War, Boy Scouts, Royal Rangers, Islamic Youth League, and 100 other affiliated youth organisations to be on standby and await further direction.
“The press conference will serve as an opportunity to present the collective position of Nigerian youths and to outline our next line of action.
“The National Youth Council of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to representing the interests of Nigerian youths and to advocating for positive change in the nation.
“We recognise the challenges faced by our country and the need for urgent action to address these issues. As we prepare to address the nation, we call on all stakeholders to support our efforts and to work together towards a better Nigeria.”
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