The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has made the significant decision to cancel this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) celebrations. This move is a gesture of solidarity with the #EndBadGovernance protesters who tragically lost their lives, and a response to the severe economic hardships currently affecting millions of Nigerians.NYCN President Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo announced the cancellation in a statement issued on Monday, emphasizing the council's deep concern over the widespread hunger and economic challenges facing the nation.The NYCN highlighted that it has taken proactive steps by submitting a detailed position paper to key government figures, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim; and members of the National Assembly. The document provides actionable recommendations aimed at easing the current economic difficulties and enhancing the involvement of Nigerian youth in national security and intelligence efforts."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," the statement reads.The council has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider and implement these recommendations, including the convening of a National Youth Conference. Such a conference would enable meaningful dialogue between government officials and youth leaders to identify critical issues and propose viable solutions to the nation's economic challenges.Additionally, the NYCN urged the federal government to initiate a national peer-to-peer program. This initiative would aim to reduce support for protests by providing the youth with constructive engagement opportunities. The council also emphasized the need for immediate relief measures, such as subsidies on essential goods, job creation programs targeting the youth, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to boost employment.Furthermore, the NYCN recommended that the government invest in vocational training and educational programs aligned with industry needs, in collaboration with the private sector. These efforts, the council believes, are crucial to addressing the economic challenges and restoring hope and stability in the country.In closing, the NYCN stressed the importance of swift and decisive action from the government, urging President Tinubu to prioritize these recommendations to help alleviate the current economic hardships and uplift the nation's youth.
