Confab of Deception: Diverting Attention from Nigeria's Real Problems

The #EndBadGovernance protests, also known as the "Hunger Protest," have put forth clear demands that President Bola Tinubu should address promptly. These issues don't require lengthy discussions and necessitate swift action to meet the urgent needs of Nigerians seeking better governance.

Implementation of the demands should begin immediately, rather than organizing a 30-day youth conference that would waste Nigeria's resources and time.

It was also referred to as the "Hunger Protest," reflecting a call to the federal government about the widespread hunger and hardships faced by the people, emphasizing the urgent need for people-centered policies to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his Independence Day address, revealed that the Federal Government will host a conference to gather the nation's youth for conversations on key matters. He emphasized the importance of involving the younger generation in shaping the nation’s future and highlighted the government's commitment to listening to their voices.

The President disclosed that the conference, lasting a month, would serve as a forum for discussing the range of challenges and opportunities impacting the nation’s youth, who represent over 60 percent of the population.

He also noted that the conference aims to bring together young people from across the country to collaboratively find solutions to challe

nges related to education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.

“The modalities of this confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives.

“Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria,” he stated.

While the initiative is welcome and seeks to address the many challenges facing our youth, convening such a forum may ultimately waste time and resources without effectively fostering productivity and patriotism among young people.

These demands are already well known and understood even by the federal government. What is needed now is effective and honest implementation. Daily news highlights the desires of Nigerians from the APC-led administration, with clerics, traditional leaders, political, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Political stakeholders, and youth groups consistently calling for the government’s attention to critical areas of development.

Before the #EndBadGovernance Protest, the 2020 EndSARS Protest brought thousands of youth to the streets across Nigeria, initially demanding an end to police brutality and evolving into calls against bad governance and anti-people policies. Despite the anger, protests, and outcry, the government appeared to overlook and dismiss these demands.

The protest garnered support from many world leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Joe Biden. Within days, the movement expanded beyond its online origins, escalating into massive nationwide demonstrations that faced severe government repression.

The most notorious incident occurred on October 20, 2020, when the Nigerian military opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate, resulting in the tragic loss of many promising young lives.

Numerous individuals were arrested by security agencies during the protests, and the bank accounts of many protesters were frozen. These actions heightened tensions and raised concerns about the government's response to dissent. Such measures not only targeted those advocating for change but also sparked widespread criticism and fear among citizens exercising their right to protest.

Unfortunately, leadership issues have long plagued Nigeria, deeply affecting the country's fabric and leaving its citizens to suffer. Both past and present leaders govern without a clear vision or goals to drive development. Just as a coconut carries its own water for the journey ahead, the nation needs a solid foundation to navigate its challenges.

The proposed 30-day National Youth Conference by the federal government is not only unnecessary but also a waste of national resources that may ultimately yield no results.

Many of these demands are already well-known and widely recognized, particularly concerning hunger. Nigerians are calling for a reduction in food prices, proposing solutions such as improved food production, subsidized credits, border openings, increased investment in agriculture, and strategies to address storage challenges.

The rising fuel cost is a significant concern, as they have triggered a chain reaction that has resulted in numerous adverse effects throughout the country. Nigerians are calling for the revitalization of existing refineries, support for privately owned modular refineries, price regulation, and other measures to lower the cost of petroleum products.

The decrease in electricity tariffs is also a key concern for many Nigerians, who continue to demand a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to enhance both manufacturing and business operations.

Additionally, the demand to address insecurity nationwide by halting the diversion of security resources, both funding and personnel, is imperative. Swiftly prosecute identified instigators and criminals, and prioritize the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) without delay.

Government wastefulness is another significant issue, along with the high cost of governance and an excessively large National Assembly that receives inflated compensation packages.

Implement a permanent 50% reduction in the operating costs of the executive branch and the National Assembly. Fully execute the Oronsaye Report to eliminate redundant agencies and streamline government size. Abolish hardship, entertainment, and all other allowances for the National Assembly, and promptly remove the 7,447 projects worth N2.24 trillion that have been inserted into the 2024 federal budget.

Both state and federal governments have ministries dedicated to enhancing youth welfare, but sadly, they frequently fall short of their mandates. Agencies designed to address youth-related issues, such as education and employment, remain inactive and underutilized.

By empowering the ministries and agencies focused on youth affairs, Nigeria can nurture a dynamic youth population prepared to make valuable contributions to the nation.

Nigerians aspire for a voting process free from excessive manipulation and rigging. They seek to elect leaders who will address the country's challenges and help transform Nigeria into the Giant of Africa it is meant to be.