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Shun protests, embrace dialogue – youth leaders tell Nigerians
By Abubakar Yunusa
The apex leadership of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders, Worldwide, has urged organizers of the planned nationwide demonstration to shun protests and embrace dialogue with the federal government, stating that protests are not the solution to Nigeria’s problems.
The group’s decision follows reports of a youth-led nationwide protest planned to address the country’s economic hardship. However, federal and state governments, including President Tinubu, have appealed to the youths to postpone the planned protest. Religious and traditional institutions have also called for its cancellation.
At a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Comrade Terry Obieh, President General, Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders/President General, NENYLCW, said that after meeting and reviewing the situation, the group has declared its non-participation in the protest and condemns it in its entirety.
He said “We have observed closely over the past few weeks as a section of Nigerians planned what they called nationwide protests against bad governance. We took the time to analyze the intent of the protest and its organizers.
“We are aware of the current hardship in the country, but it is essential to remind Nigerians that these problems are surmountable.
“All we need is to chart a common path forward through constructive criticism and engagement through a robust, nationwide dialogue campaign, sensitization, and movement, free from unwarranted interference and intimidation.
“We are informing Nigerian youths that we are not part of the protest because we were not involved in the planning. Regrettably, some identified individuals and politicians have decided to weaponize the pain and anguish of downtrodden Nigerians.
“We are fully aware that hoodlums are planning to hijack the process. As the apex youth organization in the country with over 407 ethnic nationalities organizations, we were not included, while politicians and other personalities abroad are planning to weaponize and use hapless Nigerians to achieve their inordinate selfish motives.”
He said to urgently prevent the hijacking of the protest and the escalation of violence in our country, we call on Nigerians to abandon the proposed national protest and join hands with our organization.
“Unfortunately, there are credible security reports that this protest will be hijacked by the enemies of the country, who are determined to set the country ablaze, as evidenced by the #EndSARS and Kenya’s disturbances.
“We reaffirm our earlier position of solidly supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, based on verifiable evidence of his good intentions to lift Nigeria and Nigerians out of adversity.
While we acknowledge the challenges facing the country, we do not believe that protests are the solution. Instead, we should all remain patient with the government as it makes conscious efforts to restore the country’s fortunes.
“Without hesitation, we reiterate that the entire Nigerian youth has confidence in President Tinubu’s government and would not do anything to jeopardize its efforts. In most cases, improvement follows a period of difficulty, and that is the current situation in the country.
“Anyone seeking to use the youth as sacrificial lambs and instruments of violence under the guise of protest should look elsewhere. Never again will we allow ourselves to be victims of such a nationwide evil action.”
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.