The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to cushioning the immediate pains of its policies meant to herald a brighter future for Nigerian youths.
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, stated this during the Nigeria Police Force Youth Summit in commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Youths Day celebration with the theme: “Enhancing the Nigeria Youth’s Value for National Security Intelligence” held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre at Jabi, Abuja
Gaidam, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr James Sule, 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
He said: “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.
“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.”
He charged the youths for continuing engagement in constructive discourse with the government to avoid actions and tendencies that will create avenues for our 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,” he added.
According to him, 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.
The minister, who declared that the message of the peaceful protesters during recent protests was heard by the government, however, lamented that the actions were hijacked by the fifth columnists to disrupt peace, compromise security, and cause wanton destruction of valuable lives and property.
He noted that the unfortunate incidents resulted in the massive looting and destruction of both public and private property, stand in stark contrast to the peaceful assembly that we advocate for in democracy, adding that “such actions do not reflect the values of our great nation nor the aspirations of our youths.”
“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 stressed.
The minister, however, while thanking the youths for yielding to President Tinubu’s call to suspend the protest and accept dialogue which is the most viable platform for citizens/government’s engagement, sympathized with the families of the deceased ones who lost their lives during the protests.