The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has begged Nigerians on the need to give President Bola Tinubu more time to implement his economic reforms.
Instead of joining the protest, the group has urged Nigerian youths and student bodies to support the president’s efforts.
In a statement signed by NEYGA spokesperson Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the group acknowledged that the current economic challenges were a legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
They admitted that they did not protest against these issues at the time and now realize that protesting could jeopardize national unity.
The group commended the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, for his initiative to restart the light section mill at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which is expected to produce 400,000 metric tons of iron rods annually.
”This production aims to address issues related to road construction and building collapses in Nigeria,” the group stated.
The statement emphasized that Nigeria has faced difficult times, periods of unrest, and moments that tested its resilience.
Despite the challenges, the group believes that the nation has endured and survived, and it is now time to look toward a promising future.
“We appeal to other Arewa groups to acknowledge that Nigeria’s challenges are a shared responsibility,” Dan-Musa said.
He urged Nigerians to give President Tinubu a chance, adding that they see hope and a sense of possibility that shouldn’t be ignored.
The group expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s presidency, describing it as a fresh opportunity for transformation.
While acknowledging scepticism, they expressed hope that the reforms under Tinubu are taking shape and paving the way for a better future.
“We are witnessing the dawn of a new era, where mistakes are acknowledged and rectified, and the people’s voices are heard. Now is the time to unite, support the reforms, and hold our leaders accountable,” the statement read.
The group also called for constructive dialogue, active participation, and a commitment to ensuring that leaders are vigilant and invested in the collective future of Nigeria.
The NEYGA urged all Nigerians to embrace hope and work towards making the nation better for all.
They stressed the importance of giving President Tinubu the time and support needed to implement vital reforms, and they called for open-minded and collaborative efforts to shape Nigeria’s destiny.
Meanwhile, in response to escalating inflation and economic difficulties, the Nigerian government has requested an 18-month extension for the World Bank’s $800 million palliative loan, aimed at enhancing the country’s social safety net programs.
The extension, if approved, would move the project’s closing date from June 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
The government stated that since its inception, the loan has benefitted approximately three million poor and vulnerable households.
