The National Youth Leaders, under the Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN), have called on President Bola Tinubu to tackle the country’s hardship.

FNYLPPN Chairman, Mr Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, made this appeal during a media conference on Monday in Abuja.

Chukwu expressed confidence in Nigerian youths to excel beyond their predecessors, acknowledging their forerunners’ achievements in securing independence.

He commended President Tinubu’s efforts to alleviate hardship, particularly among young people, through programmes and minimum wage increases.

However, he emphasised that despite these efforts, hardship persisted.

He said that the youths were concerned about widespread hunger and hardship, warning that inaction might exacerbate insecurity and trigger hunger-induced crises.

Chukwu thanked Nigerian youths for their patience and urged them to remain calm while giving the president more time to act.

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), is mobilising Nigerians for a peaceful protest on October 1st, Independence Day.

The Director of Public Communications of the council, Hussaini Shuaibu, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Kaduna.

Shuaibu explained that sections 38-42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the rights of the citizens to free association, expression of views, and mobilisation.

These inalienable rights, Shuaibu said as captured by the founding fathers of Nigeria, were deliberately made to check the excesses of those who may be trusted with power to isolate themselves in ivory tow.

He, therefore, said in the exercise of the fundamental rights of citizens, NYCN was prepared and committed to ensuring that the government was held accountable to its people.

The director emphasised that the protests of Aug, 1-10, 2024 were an indicator of the level of displeasure that existed in the polity of the government and its policies.

Shuaibu recalled that in response to the demands made by the protesters, the government promised to address the issues raised.

He, however, lamented that two months later, the issues were still lingering and even more aggravated.

This, he said, was why the NYCN was compelled to act, knowing fully well that Northerners were worst impacted by the phenomena.

“As such, we are mobilising and sensitising the people to come out and continue to protest peacefully, the unbearable hardship until the government agrees to act responsibly and respond to the issues promptly and decisively.

“We are mobilising to ensure the fundamental right of the people is exercised in line with the mandate of the constitution which places the responsibility of citizen welfare and safety on the government.

“Since the government seemed overwhelmed by these responsibilities, it is our duty to prick their consciences and ensure we have a better Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” Shuaibu said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have resolved to strengthen collaboration.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesperson disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Oyewale said that the collaboration would be, particularly, in the area of Intelligence to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes and corruption.

According to him, the two agencies made the resolution, when Paul Akugbo, new Director of Base Command Liaison, Lagos paid a courtesy visit to Michael Wetkas, Acting Director of Lagos Directorate of the EFCC.

Meanwhile, Akugbo described the visit as most necessary towards strengthening the already existing collaboration between the DSS and the EFCC.

“It is, indeed, a thing of honour to be among you today.

“As you know, the Base Command is not the Lagos Command; rather, it is the national headquarters annex located in Lagos,” he said.

He commended the EFCC for its unrelenting efforts to stamp out corruption in Nigerian society.

Responding, Wetkas expressed delight in receiving Akugbo and his team, adding that the DSS and the EFCC had always worked together.

“On several occasions, we have written letters to you for certain people on our watch list and you have intercepted them and handed them over to us. We thank you for this.

“The success of our various services is our joint success. Lagos is a challenging place and we are here to support in any way we can,” he said.

He said that the visit was a demonstration that the DSS was ready to work and partner with the EFCC to achieve overall success for Nigeria.