48 Abuja Youth Groups Withdraw from Planned Protest, Seek Government Engagement
In a notable development, 48 youth groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have officially withdrawn from the planned nationwide protests against the country’s economic challenges, which were scheduled for August 1. This decision was announced by Comrade Suleiman Ango, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (FCT branch), during a town hall meeting hosted by FCT Minister Barrister Nyesome Wike over the weekend in Abuja.
Ango explained that after extensive discussions, the youth groups collectively decided to forgo the protest. Instead, they have outlined several key demands, including the need for enhanced youth empowerment initiatives in the FCT, the establishment of a dedicated Secretariat for Youth Affairs, and the reversal of the appointment of Edward Onoja, a non-indigene and former deputy governor of Kogi State, to represent the FCT in the Public Complaints Commission.
Ango stated: “Following multiple meetings with youth groups in the FCT, we have unanimously resolved to withdraw from the protest. Our focus is now on securing employment opportunities for the youth, establishing a Mandate Secretariat, and ensuring our representation in the National Complaints Commission.”
In response, Minister Wike emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order and assured that the youth’s demands would be communicated to President Bola Tinubu. Wike proposed that the youth submit a formal request for the creation of the Youth Secretariat, which he would forward to the President. He also highlighted the current representation of youth in various positions within the FCT administration and pledged to address the issue of non-indigene representation in the Public Complaints Commission.
Wike remarked: “The President is open to correcting mistakes when they are brought to his attention. By engaging in dialogue rather than protests, we have a better chance to resolve issues constructively. I assure you that the concerns raised will be presented to President Tinubu, and necessary actions will be taken.”
This proactive approach aims to address the grievances of the youth while fostering a collaborative environment for solving the issues facing the FCT.
