• FG marks maiden African Youth Day
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday implored the youth to halt the protests and work with the government to find solutions to the challenges behind their agitations.
The President, who spoke yesterday in Abuja at the maiden National Youth Day celebration – observed on November 1 and coinciding with the African Youth Day celebration – encouraged the youth to have meaningful discussions with government in order to have comprehensive reforms to police brutality.
President Buhari who was represented by the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello, assured the populace that his administration has heard the agitations of the Nigerian youths and had begun work on their agitations.
He also announced that over 1 million applications had been received since the Youth Investment Fund portal opened on October 12, 2020.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the President added that the Federal Government “now wants to hear concrete and practical ideas” from youths while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests.
“You must realise that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.
“However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.
“Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.
