The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council Worldwide (NENYLCW) has praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to hold a national youth conference, calling it a significant step for the country.
This announcement, made during Tinubu’s speech on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, outlines plans for a 30-day conference aimed at amplifying youth voices and implementing their recommendations.
In his address, President Tinubu stated, “This conference platform will address diverse challenges affecting our young people.” His commitment to engaging with the youth is seen as a move to create a more inclusive government and to address the pressing issues faced by Nigeria’s younger population.
Following the announcement, the youth leaders released a statement through their leaders, Comrade Terry Obieh, Comrade Balarabe Rufai, and Mazi Okwu Nnabuike.
They expressed their gratitude, emphasizing that this decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to the well-being of Nigeria and its future leaders.
The group highlighted that they had previously requested a national dialogue involving youth from various ethnic backgrounds.
They are particularly pleased that the President took the initiative to announce this himself, indicating the government’s serious approach to addressing youth issues. “We commend the President for his determination to find positive solutions for the country,” they stated.
In their statement, they referred to past protests where they advocated for dialogue over confrontation. “During the August protest, we insisted that dialogue was the way to go and not hitting the streets. We are glad that Mr. President has opened a further window of dialogue with the youths,” they added.
While expressing appreciation for the President’s decision, the youth leaders urged that the conference should be free from political interference.
They stressed that maintaining the conference’s integrity is essential for achieving its intended outcomes. “We appeal that the confab should not be politicized, but structured in a way that the intended goals would be achieved,” they stated.
In addition to praising the President, the youth group took a moment to congratulate both him and all Nigerians on Independence Day. They encouraged citizens to keep faith in the nation, acknowledging the various challenges but also recognizing the progress made since independence.
“There is no doubt that the country is experiencing challenges and has passed through tortuous years of military dictatorship,” they remarked. “However, there has been steady progress since our return to democracy in 1999, which should not be taken for granted.”
They concluded by expressing confidence in the current administration’s commitment to navigating the country through its economic and security challenges.
The group thanked Nigerians for their resilience and urged everyone to remain hopeful for a positive future, believing that significant improvements are on the horizon under the current leadership.
