Leaders from over 60 youth organizations have assured the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) that their members will not participate in the nationwide protest scheduled for October 1. The groups claim that the demonstration, organized by some discontented youths and civil society movements, aims to embarrass President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Duke Alamboye, President of the Nigeria Youth Organization, led the delegation during a courtesy visit to PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro in Abuja. In a press release from Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Alamboye expressed the group’s commitment to preventing misleading protests against the government.
He encouraged youths to engage in constructive dialogue with the administration rather than disrupt national stability. “We are aware of calls for a nationwide protest against President Tinubu’s government. As advocates for peace and national progress, we will hold a world press conference on September 23 to inform Nigerian youths about the importance of avoiding this protest,” he stated.
The youth leaders plan to follow the press conference with a summit on October 1, aiming to unite stakeholders in finding better solutions for young Nigerians. Represented organizations include the National Youth Congress, Arewa Youth Council, Yoruba Youth Council, Ohaneze Youth Council, and several others focused on youth empowerment and non-violence.
Dr. Otuaro praised the youth leaders for their decision to dissociate from the planned protest, highlighting Tinubu’s youth-friendly approach and appointments of young Nigerians in various government positions. He urged them not to be manipulated into unpatriotic actions, noting that the President deserves time for his reform initiatives to take effect.
Otuaro affirmed, “Mr. President means well for the country. It’s encouraging to see Nigerian youths supporting a leader who has been in office for just over a year. We should address our grievances through constructive dialogue rather than falling prey to those seeking attention under the guise of protests.”
