The Nigerian government has promised its citizens, especially restive youths, of doing everything possible to cushion the pains and hardship they are going through as a result of its policies which led to a 10-day nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernance.
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, who delivered the assurance on behalf of President Bola Tinubu during the Nigeria Police Force Youth Summit in commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Youths Day held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre at Jabi, Abuja, on Tuesday, said the Tinubu administration is aware of the pains Nigerians are going through and have outlined programmes to mitigate them.
Gaidam who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, James Sule, while speaking on the theme “Enhancing the Nigeria Youth’s Value for National Security Intelligence,” said some government policies like operationalizing the student loan scheme programme which gives every Nigerian youth an equal opportunity to access higher education, approval of the new minimum wage, suspension of tariffs on essential food and drugs and its recent support for local refining of petroleum products through crude sales to indigenous refineries in Naira, are laudable initiatives that would put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
“The ongoing Police reforms initiative when completed will enunciate an integrated policing paradigm that will focus attention on rural communities to support food production and also harness our solid minerals potential, to foster sustainable development and economic growth,” the minister said.
“As we mark this year’s UN International Youth Day, let me reassure you of the Ministry of Police Affairs’ commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Youths to create an enabling environment that will support the realization of your dreams and aspirations.”
Gaidam further charged Nigerian youths to continue in engagement in constructive discourse with the government to avoid actions and tendencies that will create avenues for collective enemies to destabilize the Nigerian state.
“Youth engagement in matters of national security is not just beneficial; it is imperative. The role of our young people in identifying and addressing security challenges cannot be overstated.
“Young Nigerians possess unique insights, innovative ideas, and the energy required to confront the issues that face our nation. Today, we must focus on how to harness that energy and turn it into a force for good.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development and empowerment of the youths, saying this has been reflected in various initiatives aimed at fostering youth engagement, promoting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities that will enable the young people to thrive.
“In recent weeks, we have witnessed a surge in civic engagement among our youth. However, it is essential to remind ourselves of the responsibilities that come with this engagement.
“The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is rooted in a vision for a Nigeria where our youth are not only participants but leaders in the quest for national security and development.
“Together, we must cultivate a culture of constructive dialogue, resorting to discussions as a means to express grievances rather than taking destructive actions,” Gaidam emphasized.