On 29th May, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His number one priority has been the development of different platforms for Nigerian youths, to attain or surpass their present level with special concentrations on human capital development across various youth demographic in the country. This administration has demonstrated a commitment to empowering Nigerian youths because no President in the history of Nigeria has appointed more young individuals into offices like he has. He has implemented various initiatives to support young entrepreneurs, opening endless possibilities for economic growth, particularly through promotion of local content and cross border trade. Furthermore, he also signed into law the Student Loan Fund and introduced other interventions, which clearly shows his understanding regarding education and sustainable development, owning to the fact that youths are the major drivers of economies globally. These efforts underscore the government’s dedication to youth development and justifies why Nigerian youths should eschew protest and violence and instead collaborate with this administration to build a prosperous nation that we all dream of. President Tinubu’s appointment of young Nigerians to key positions demonstrate his trust and belief in our capabilities as young Nigerians. Nigerians, especially youths are taking the world by storm and it is pertinent we keep finding enduring ways to bring them to the table. It also shows his commitment towards empowering the youth as leaders of tomorrow, which many young people believe this statement has been a façade for many decades, coming from their leaders who do not see reasons to give them leadership opportunities. Youth inclusion does not only bring fresh perspective to governance, but also provides opportunities for young individuals to gain valuable insight, experience, and contribute meaningfully to national development- a worrisome concern which has been lingering over successive administrations. Worthy of note is the separation of the Ministry of Youth Development and Ministry of Sports respectively, which shows President Tinubu’s recognition of the importance of the youth in nation building, their impact, and most importantly, giving a distinct focus regarding everything that concerns them. These ministries and various youth-related agencies have been serving as platforms to address the concerns and needs of young Nigerians, ensuring their voices are heard, and their ideas are harnessed for the progress of the country. This administration has also provided loans aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth. Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has given loans and grants to young business owners to boost their income, create jobs, and reduce the multi-dimensional poverty plaguing households and communities. Youth beneficiaries of these interventions have been on several occasions informed to remain accountable, ensuring they follow through their ventures and become catalysts of change in their respective sectors. In addition, the Student Loan Fund introduced and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration brings a huge relief to parents/caregivers of young people whose household incomes cannot afford their wards quality education; it is not in doubt that such a groundbreaking initiative that addresses the financial challenges faced by many young Nigerians in pursuing higher education. The program will ensure that talented individuals are not denied access to education due to financial constraints, thereby promoting inclusion and equal opportunities, and a peaceful, progressive society for all. Furthermore, the government has introduced various other programs aimed at empowering Nigerian youths, which has been greatly beneficial in fostering cooperation amongst youths in different parts of the country. These include but not limited to skill acquisition programs, mentorship initiatives, and cultural exchange programs, all designed to equip young individuals with the knowledge, skill, and exposure needed to succeed in an ever-increasing competitive world. Therefore, while I agree that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the rights to express him or herself, including the right to protest, which largely remains the statutory rights of every Nigerian. However, as an advocate of the youth, who has on many occasions fought for the rights of Nigerian youths, I believe this administration has been committed to empowering Nigerian youths at the very least, and seeing that evidence abounds –one justifiable reason to give them more chance to do more and address our questions. Rather than resorting to protests, let us seize the opportunities provided by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work assiduously and collaboratively to build a prosperous nation. By so doing, we will not only contribute to national development but also ensure a brighter future for us and those that are coming after us. Let us support the government and say ‘NO to PROTEST’ because the energies expended on protests, which may turn into an uncontrollable scenario can be channeled into meaningful and constructive dialogue that will give us all the results we so yearn to see. Summarily, the earlier we resort to peaceful, democratic dialogue and measures as youths, the better our chances at preserving our democracy, protect our nation as well as lives and property that has made this great country a giant in the comity of nations, and her citizens, an unbreakable set of humans on the planet. Long live Nigerian Youths! Long live the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President, Federal Republic of Nigeria!! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!! Ibrahim Alli-Balogun was a Special Assistant on Youth Matters to the 9th Speaker of Nigeria House of Representatives.
