The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Nigerian youths to cancel the planned nationwide protests, citing efforts by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to address their concerns.
Speaker Abbas acknowledged the frustrations and reservations of the youths, but emphasized the government’s commitment to listening, engaging, and working with them to find sustainable solutions.
He highlighted various initiatives, including student loans, access to funds for young entrepreneurs, job creation, and skills development programs, according to Independent.
The Speaker also mentioned the House of Representatives’ efforts to engage with youths through formal legislative mechanisms, ensuring their voices are heard and building consensus on the way forward.
He appealed to the protest planners to shelve their action, urging dialogue and constructive solutions.
Speaker Abbas reaffirmed the House’s commitment to standing with and working for the youths to ensure a bright future.
“I address you today with a heart full of empathy and a deep sense of duty. We are living through challenging times, and I want to acknowledge the difficulties that many of you, especially our youths, are facing. The economic pressures, social uncertainties, and other related concerns weigh heavily on our nation.
“Your frustrations and reservations are not lost on us. We hear your cries for change, for a better and more equitable Nigeria. I want to assure you that these concerns are taken with the utmost seriousness by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are committed to listening, engaging, and working with you to find sustainable solutions to the issues that confront us.
“The government has initiated several policies and programmes aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of our youths. One of such initiatives is the introduction of student loans to ease the burden of educational expenses and ensure that no Nigerian youth is denied the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams due to financial constraints.”
Speaker Abbas added that, “The Tinubu-led administration has also made significant strides in providing access to funds for young entrepreneurs through various schemes, such as the Consumer Credit Scheme, designed to support innovation and enterprise.
“In addition, we are focusing on job creation and skills development. Programmes aimed at enhancing employability and creating sustainable livelihoods are being prioritised. We are committed to ensuring that the Nigerian youths are not just job-seekers but job creators.”
“I also want to highlight the efforts of the House of Representatives in this regard. We are in the process of developing formal legislative mechanisms to ensure continuous engagement and dialogue with our youths. We believe that your voices must be heard, and we are creating platforms for regular interaction to build consensus on the way forward.
“Therefore, I urge you to remember that nation-building is a collective task. We must shun violence and embrace dialogue. Your right to protest is acknowledged and respected. Let us use legitimate avenues to express our grievances and work together towards constructive solutions.
“At this juncture, I appeal to the planners of these nationwide protests to shelve their action for the interest of our nation. Let’s give the government more time. Let’s open doors for purposeful dialogue with the government. As I have mentioned above, there are measures taken by the government to nip our challenges in the bud.
“In conclusion, I want to reaffirm the commitment of the House of Representatives to stand with you, to work with you, and to ensure that your future is bright.”
