NYCN halts Youth Day celebration, cites hardship, killing of #EndBadGovernance protesters as reasons

• Submits proposal to FG on how to move Nigeria forward

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has cancelled this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) celebration as a mark of honor for those who lost their their lives during the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.

The cancellation was announced by the President of NYCN, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo at a press conference on Monday in Abuja.

The decision, Sokubo added, also has to do with Council’s profound concern over the severe economic hardship and widespread hunger currently impacting millions of Nigerians.

According to the President of the NYCN, “In light of the ongoing economic crisis, marked by rising inflation, high unemployment rates, and growing discontent among the youth, we believe it is necessary to prioritize addressing these pressing issues over celebratory events.

“We have submitted a detailed position paper to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; and the National Assembly.

“This document contains recommendations to alleviate current hardships and strengthen the role of Nigerian youth in national security intelligence”, he said.

The NYCN President urgently called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider and act upon the following key recommendations:

*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.

*Launch a national peer-to-peer program to reduce support for protests by providing constructive engagement opportunities for the youth.

*Implement immediate relief measures, including subsidies on essential goods, job creation programs targeting youth, and support for SMEs to boost employment.

* Invest in vocational training and educational programs aligned with industry needs, in collaboration with private sector companies.

*Enhance support for young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs through grants, loans, and training programs to improve food production and reduce prices.

*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.

*Subsidize and improve public transportation to reduce commuting costs and improve access to job opportunities.

” Ensure transparency and accountability in economic policy implementation through regular updates and open communication to build trust and effective resource use.

The NYCN further urged President Tinubu to prioritize these recommendations, saying, “Swift and decisive action will address immediate economic challenges and restore hope and stability in our nation”

The NYCN President reaffirmed that the Council “remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian youths and will continue to work towards a better future for all Nigerians”.