Northern Yoruba Youths Urge Boycott of Upcoming Protests

Northern Yoruba youths are calling for a full boycott of the scheduled nationwide protests, advocating for peaceful resolutions and warning against possible unrest

A complete boycott of the nationwide protests organized by some individuals in Nigeria has been demanded by Yoruba youth residing within the northern region.

On Monday, during a meeting held in the capital of Zamfara State – Gusau, young people deliberated on the present state of their nation. A call was made at this gathering.

The Northern Yoruba Youths’ Forum held a meeting discussing concerns affecting the youth and the Yoruba ethnic group, specifically those residing in the northern region. Seyi Olorunsola, co-chair of the forum, shared these details through a communique.

The forum reached a consensus in their communique, adopting multiple resolutions that urged the government to tackle current economic difficulties and advised youths against participating in the proposed nationwide strike. The deliberations leading up to this decision were vigorous.

The group recognizes the present economic difficulties in Nigeria and how they significantly affect regular Nigerians, particularly young people.

Read Also: Northern Leaders Advise Youths Against Protests, Cite Sabotage Risks

We urge the government to utilize all possible resources at its disposal in order to ease the distress of its citizens.

“Appeal for Youth Moderation and Acknowledgement of Government Actions: It is our request to youths across the nation that they reevaluate their plans to initiate protests from August 1, 2024,and provide an opportunity for the government to implement effective solutions in response to persisting issues.”

During the meeting, the efforts of Tinubu’s administration to revive a struggling economy after years of decline under past leadership were acknowledged. Such initiatives encompass widespread palliative programs aimed at addressing various societal groups and needs, among other efforts.

An upsurge in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 has been observed alongside with the allocation of 650 metric tonnes of grains from the strategic grains reserve.

Each state will receive an allocation of 20 trucks carrying bags of rice weighing 25kg each.

“Promoting a Respectful Relationship Between Youth and Government:”

We urge young people to seek constructive ways of engaging with authorities in addressing their grievances. Protests have the potential risk of causing disruptions to an already fragile economy and escalating into violence.”

The forum made a decision that protests should not involve any young Yoruba individuals, whether they reside within or outside of Nigeria. This specifically applies to those living in the South Western regions of the country, with particular emphasis on Lagos, recognized as the capital city of the Yoruba community.

The communique stated that the Group and Yoruba youths, in general, show their endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies and programs. They aim to give sufficient time for these initiatives to attain their desired results through this resolution.