Minister urges youths to reconsider 10-day nationwide protest

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, has urged Nigerian youths to reconsider their planned 10-day protest starting on August 1.

This appeal was made during a visit by members of the newly constituted National Students Management Council (NSMC) in Abuja.

Led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mr. Sunday Asefon, the council met with Ibrahim to discuss the current state of affairs and youth concerns.

The Minister emphasized the need for peace and stability to achieve national development goals.

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Ibrahim advised the youths to avoid engaging in unlawful activities, acknowledging the economic hardships and high cost of food items.

“The government understands the pains caused by the current economic situation and is already addressing these issues. The economic hardships we face today are not limited to Nigeria. Since COVID-19 struck, the global economy has not quite recovered,” she explained.

She highlighted the importance of students in national development, stating that the quality of education at all levels determines the nation’s strength in both formal and informal sectors. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to student welfare, mentioning various programs initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address student needs.

“The student loan scheme is one of the profound policies in that direction. The ministry will work with the council to mainstream youth and student issues in the country,” Ibrahim said.

She also announced the establishment of a Youth Development Bank, approved by President Tinubu, to support young entrepreneurs and bridge the gap in accessing funds. Additionally, the minister mentioned plans to rehabilitate 42 Youth Development Centres across the country, partnering with the private sector for effective service delivery and sustainability.

Mr. Jacob Ternenge, a Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Student Affairs to the Governor of Benue State and council member, voiced the council’s opposition to the planned protest. He assured that the council would work to persuade students and youth nationwide to reject the protest.

Mr. Sunday Asefon, another council member, stated that the body would collaborate with the Ministries of Youth Development and Education, as well as with President Tinubu, to achieve the administration’s goals for the education sector. “The council will ensure that every policy from the government regarding youth and students reaches the grassroots,” he added.