In a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the economic hardships facing citizens and pledged to continue reforms aimed at alleviating their suffering. He urged patience, assuring the nation that his administration’s efforts are already showing positive signs.

President Tinubu highlighted the progress made since Nigeria’s independence, noting the resilience and achievements of the country despite its many challenges. He celebrated Nigeria’s unity and survival through political upheavals, including the civil war, and called on citizens to reflect on their journey towards nation-building.

On the economic front, Tinubu revealed that Nigeria attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investments in the past year. He also announced upcoming fiscal policy reforms aimed at stimulating investment, reducing the tax burden on businesses and workers, and boosting job creation. Additionally, the President shared the government’s progress in reducing debt service ratios and stabilizing foreign reserves.

Addressing national security, Tinubu affirmed that his administration is winning the war against terrorism and banditry, stating that over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated. He emphasized that restoring peace to affected regions would pave the way for increased agricultural production, which he believes will reduce food prices.

The President also announced plans to foster national unity, including the establishment of a National Youth Conference. The 30-day event will focus on addressing issues like education, employment, and innovation, empowering Nigeria’s youth to participate actively in nation-building.

Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to remain resilient, united, and optimistic about the future, expressing confidence that better days lie ahead for the country.

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.