Frontline youth leaders, representing over 60 youth organisations, have announced that their members will not partake in the rumored national protest being planned for October 1 against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The President of the Nigeria Youth Organization, Duke Alamboye, conveyed the stance during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in Abuja on Thursday, accompanied by a delegation of group representatives. This was revealed in a press release by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator.
The youth organizations 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, and several others.
Alamboye emphasized that these groups would collaborate with a broader network to prevent Nigerian youths from being misled into joining any ill-advised protests against the Tinubu administration. He added that upcoming activities, such as a world press conference and a youth summit, would be organized to raise awareness about the importance of rejecting such demonstrations.
Alamboye encouraged youths to pursue constructive dialogue and engage with the government through appropriate channels to voice their concerns without compromising 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 Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
“As youth leaders and lovers of peace and national advancement, the Nigeria Youth Organization would like to inform you of our plan and intention to hold a world press conference on the 23rd of September, 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 1st, 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 Dr. Dennis Otuaro on his appointment and praised President Tinubu for selecting the right person for the job, describing it as a “square peg in a square hole.”
He affirmed their strong support for both President Tinubu and the PAP Administrator.
Additionally, leaders from various youth organizations, including Henry Okonkwo of the Ohaneze Youth Council, Tobi Bakare of the Yoruba Youth Council, Ifon Daniel of the Niger Delta Youth Parliament, and Nasir Lawal of the Arewa Youth Council, echoed Alamboye’s sentiments and expressed their backing for the president.
In response, Dr. Otuaro commended the youth leaders for distancing themselves from the rumored protest, highlighting that President Tinubu is youth-friendly and has appointed many young people to key positions in his administration.
He urged the youth not to be swayed into unpatriotic protests, reminding them that the president’s people-centered reforms, policies, and programs require time to yield visible results.
While thanking the youth groups for their decision and support for Tinubu, he said, “Mr. President means well for the country. It is reassuring to know that Nigerian youths are with Mr President, who has been in office for a little over a year.
“As youths, we should organise ourselves and present our grievances and concerns through constructive dialogues. Nobody should manipulate you to achieve their ulterior goals. Most of those championing the so-called protest are only seeking attention and they thrive under the guise of anti-government protests to get attention. Youths should be watchful.”
…………
Note : To submit Press Releases, Statements, and Advert Inquiries for publication on Waffi blog (website) or Television 📺, please use the following contact details: You can send an email to info@waffitv.com or reach us via Whatsapp at 07068286500
