The SDG Youth Nigeria Office has expressed deep concern over the planned hunger protest by Nigerian youth, scheduled for August 1-10, 2024. In a statement signed by Uzoh Ifeanyi, Nigeria/African Regional Representative of the United Nations SDG Youth, the office urged the Federal Government to convene an emergency meeting with the Nigerian youth and student leadership.
The statement, made available to newsmen in Abuja, emphasized the need for constructive dialogue between the government and youth leaders to address the pressing issues driving the protest. The SDG Youth Nigeria Office called for a collaborative approach to find sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Nigerian youth, including hunger, poverty, and unemployment.
As the backbone of our nation, the well-being of our youth is crucial to the success of our development agenda. The proposed hunger protest highlights the challenges young people face in accessing food and basic necessities. As a country committed to the SDGs, it is imperative that we address these issues and ensure all citizens, especially the youth, have access to the resources they need to thrive, Ifeanyi Said
Let us work together to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all Nigerians
To prevent the planned protest and address the concerns of Nigerian youth, SDG youth urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately convene a dialogue session with the leadership of Nigerian youth and student constituencies, as well as critical stakeholders, to address their concerns and work towards finding sustainable solutions.
To address the concerns of Nigerian youth and work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future, SDG youth recommend
- Provision of Palliatives: The government should provide direct support to youth and students to alleviate their immediate needs and demonstrate a commitment to their well-being.
- Establishment of Engagement Platform: The government should set up a reliable engagement platform for youth, students, and government representatives. This platform will:
- Facilitate open communication and feedback
- Foster collaboration and inclusive decision-making
- Ensure youth are informed about government efforts and involved in implementation strategies
By implementing these recommendations, we can:
- Prevent the planned hunger protest
- Address the pressing issues of hunger, poverty, and unemployment
- Promote peace, understanding, and collective progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Nigerian youth.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
