The Ekiti State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on the state’s youths to refrain from participating in a planned protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The NYCN highlighted that protests, based on recent studies and events, are unlikely to alleviate the nation’s current challenges. Instead, they often exacerbate issues, result in the destruction of valuable assets, and are frequently hijacked by political and tribal interests, leading to ineffective outcomes.
The Council emphasized the need for economic revitalization and the importance of addressing prevailing circumstances, acknowledging past missteps. Amb. Segun Bankole, Chairman of the NYCN Ekiti State Chapter, praised Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s efforts in promoting the welfare of all sectors and citizens of Ekiti State. He noted the Governor’s support for distributing palliatives and subsidizing goods to aid citizens, and his encouragement for youths to engage in agricultural ventures as a viable solution to current challenges.
Bankole urged Ekiti youths to avoid organizing protests, recalling the hardships endured by families and businesses during the End-SARS protests and stressing the importance of preventing similar occurrences. He called for raising awareness about the destruction witnessed in TVC Lagos and other Yoruba territories during those incidents.
The NYCN also appealed to stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, youth and student bodies, Okada riders, drivers’ unions, artisans, private enterprises, and individuals, to engage in civic participation initiatives. These should promote constructive dialogues with government officials, advocate for skill development through vocational training, create avenues for entrepreneurship and innovation, and foster unity among the youth to drive positive change.
Bankole emphasized the youth’s dissociation from any proposed protests and urged the presidency to consider measures to control prices, such as opening borders and reducing taxes on food imports, to help the struggling populace. He called on Ekiti youths to unite with Governor Oyebanji in championing unity, peace, and progress for Nigeria.
“Let us remain law-abiding citizens. God bless Ekiti Youth! God bless Ekiti State! God bless Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji! God bless Nigeria, the Giant of Africa,” Bankole declared.
