Protest: NGO urges youths to embrace dialogue

Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative, an NGO, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace dialogue and reconsider participating in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Aug. 1 to Aug.10.
Dr Babatunde Kayode, Executive Director of the organisation, made the call while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Kayode warned that youths’ participation in the protest might not only lead to chaos, but possibly jeopardise their future and lead to other consequences that could spell disaster for the nation.
“We understand the frustrations and anger among our youths, especially the boy child who might feel neglected and marginalised by the system.
“We, however, cannot allow our grievances to be hijacked by violence and destruction.
“Our young ones must reconsider participating in the protests, which we fear may put their safety and future, at risk, as we can see in the devastating unrest in Libya, Rwanda and Kenya.
“We cannot afford to let our emotions get the better of us; we must find a way to express our grievances without putting our lives and livelihoods at risk.”
Kayode also urged government to take concrete steps to address the economic hardship, while urging them to take immediate steps to foil any attempt to disrupt peace in the country and promote development in the process.
“They must engage the youth in skill promotion and entrepreneurship, cut corruption, reduce bloated governance, promote local products, lead with integrity, and create jobs for a better future.(NAN)