Youths Coalition Submits Proposal To Ogun State Government On Reducing Hardship

 

BEING THE TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD BY THE COALITION OF OGUN STATE YOUTH FORUMS AT IWE IROYIN, NUJ HOUSE, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE ON 28TH OF FEBRUARY, 2024.

COALITION OF OGUN STATE YOUTH FORUMS UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING PROPOSALS

Today, at Iwe Iroyin, NUJ House, Abeokuta, the Coalition of Ogun State Youth Forums (COSYF) convened to articulate the collective grievances of the people and propose ingenious solutions aimed at mitigating the national hardships faced by Nigerians, especially the youth.

PROTOCOLS

We, as patriotic Nigerians, extend our respect and acknowledgment to all protocols observed. Today, united as a coalition of over thirty youth groups, we voice our concerns to address the economic challenges that have plagued our great nation.

We acknowledge the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians, especially during these times of hardship. As intellectuals and thoughtful youths of Ogun State, we are acutely aware of the struggles endured by our fellow citizens. We recognize that adding to these burdens by disrupting daily income opportunities for others through street protests would not yield the desired change. Hence, we emphasize the significance of our current media engagement. Its purpose extends beyond raising public awareness; it serves as a catalyst to prompt Government at all levels and the vital Ministries, Departments, and Agencies into proactive action. Our aim is to address the pressing issues without exacerbating the difficulties faced by the majority of Ogun State residents, many of whom rely on daily wages and income for sustenance.

In delivering our message we understand that in the realm of governance, the shelf of progress looms high. The President(The Tall Man), towering, has a bird-eye view and high grasps in delivering the bulk of the dividends of democracy to the people, while the State Governors(Short man), shorter in reach, must attend to matters within their grasp, each with distinct roles in the quest to bring succour to the Nigerian mass.

A MESSAGE TO "THE TALL MAN" HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU (GCFR).

Your Excellency,

We acknowledge the weight of your office and the immense responsibilities that come with it. As we stand here today, we do so not only as citizens of Ogun State but as representatives of the collective aspirations of Nigerian youth nationwide.
It's imperative that we call your attention to the obvious hardship and agony of Nigerians under your watch.
It is essential that crucial decisions are made and implemented urgently to alleviate the pains of Nigerians.
Therefore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; you must rise up to your responsibilities and do more for Nigerians.

OUR MESSAGE TO "The Short Man" HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN.

Your Excellency, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, we commend your leadership and commitment to the welfare of Ogun State. Your efforts in prioritizing the development of our state have not gone unnoticed, and we recognize the strides made under your administration.
However, it is essential to call your attention to the plight of the indigent Ogun State residents and citizens alike who are grappling with the unfavorable economic realities.
We received the news of your palliative(intervention) measures with gladness and gratitude, but we must point out that there is no clear cut mechanism to capture the youth constituency in the various state initiatives, interventions and measures. The average, self employed and out of school youth is not directly captured in the initiative. This is a huge lacuna that must be corrected immediately to avoid future complications.
This can be effected by the creation of a truly youthful committe to see to this.

ENUMERATING REAL-LIFE SUFFERINGS

Nigeria grapples with a 30% inflation rate, soaring dollar rates, widespread unemployment, and escalating insecurity. The consequences are real – families struggling to make ends meet, dreams deferred, and the youth facing unprecedented challenges.

SOLUTIONS AND POLICY SUGGESTIONS

1. Opening of International Borders:
- Proposal: Reopen international borders to stimulate economic growth through increased trade and investment.

2. Incorporation of Non-State Actors into the Palliative Committee:
- Proposal: Enhance the palliative committee's effectiveness by including non-state actors, ensuring a broader representation of the affected populace.

3. One Year Free Health Insurance for All:
- Proposal: We understand that the state government have rolled out programmes to cater to this. However, there is absolute need to launch a comprehensive health insurance initiative, providing one year of free coverage for all residents to alleviate healthcare burdens.

4. Establishment and Proper Management of a Food Bank:
- Proposal: Institute a well-managed food bank system to ensure the equitable distribution of food resources, especially to vulnerable populations starting with the proposed 100 trucks of rice the Ogun State Government intends to sell at affordable rates.

5. Subsidization of Transportation/Increments in the Numbers of CNG Buses:
- Proposal: Implement subsidies for public transportation and increase the availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate transportation costs.

6. Grants for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises:
- Proposal: Introduce financial support programs and grants for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

7. Job Creation/Human Capital Development
- Proposal: Develop and implement robust job creation programs to tackle unemployment, providing opportunities for skill development and meaningful employment.

8. Massive involvement in Mechanised Farming for Food Production and Employment Generation:
- Proposal: Empower farmers and encourage youth to engage in mechanized farming by providing credit facilities.

9. Making Favorable Policies:
- Proposal: Implement policies to make life bearable for the masses, especially in the areas of food production, security, skills development and shelter.

10. Security:
- Proposal: Develop policies to address security challenges, recognizing the correlation between security and food production.

11. REQUEST FOR CONSTANT YOUTH PARLE[/b]Y

Without mincing words, it is apparent that the state government has commendable plans and initiatives for the youth sector. However, there is a huge communication gap between the people who the initiatives are meant for and the unaccounted for youths particularly i.e young people who aren't in schools or in the civil service. We request a quarterly Youth Parley with His Excellency, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, to enhance communication, awareness of opportunities, and better appreciation of your programs. This way, the government can directly receive feedbacks and the people's yearnings.

[b]IMPLEMENTATION DEADLINE

To emphasize the urgency, we propose a one-month deadline for the government to initiate and implement these proposals. This timeline reflects a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of citizens.

CLOSING REMARKS

In conclusion, we appreciate your attention to these critical issues and express hope for a collaborative effort in bringing about positive change. The success of these measures will contribute not only to immediate relief but also to long-term socioeconomic development in Ogun State and Nigeria.

Thank you for your time, and we anticipate witnessing the positive impact of these initiatives on our beloved state.

Sincerely,

Comrade Sodeinde Daniel
Coalition Coordinator
07033890646

Kazeem Baiyewu
Coalition Secretary
09166719162

Comrade Fẹmi Owoẹyẹ
Coalition Spokesperson
08160382972

Youths urge Tinubu to open Nigeria borders for rice importation


Nigerian Youths in Ogun State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to open land borders for the importation of rice as a matter of urgency to avert looming nationwide protests in the country.

The youths under the auspices of the Coalition of Ogun State Youths Forum said this at a press conference on Wednesday, in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The group said, “If the importation of rice is allowed, the high prices of food in the country will crash without an option.”

While speaking at the press conference, the Spokesperson of the group, Fẹmi Owoẹyẹ, lamented the devastating economic situation of the country and the high cost of living, skyrocketing food prices, among other reasons for hardship in the country.

Owoẹyẹ, who was flanked by the state Coordinator of the coalition, Comrade Sodeinde Daniel, General secretary, Kazeem Baiyewu and the legal adviser of the coalition, Habeeb Whyte, applauded the tenacity of the president to govern the country at a time like this but noted that the government must stand strong and do more.

At the moment, the youths appealed to Nigerians to shelve any planned street protest, until the government refuses to open land borders for the importation of rice in the country.

The group gave the federal government a two-week window to accede to its request or face the wrath of Nigerian youths through protest.

The forum identified hunger as a key challenge in the country, stressing that Nigeria currently has no capacity to feed its citizens and as a result must get help from neighbouring countries.

He said, “One way out of this unbearable economic hardship with the surging prices of food and a lot of hunger in the land is agricultural revolution. The government must make a genuine commitment to investing in sustainable agriculture.

The youth are ready to engage in various agricultural activities that could help in boosting food production. There should also as a matter of urgency lift whatever importation ban on rice. The policy is said to have been done to protect the local industries but where is the local rice?

“Do you think people will not buy the local rice if they see one in the market? This is the time for policies like this to be overhauled or reviewed, Nigerians are hungry and something needs to be done very urgently.

“We believe that within one month, the government would have begun to consider our demands, failure of which will make this coalition of youth forums which has at least 30 youth groups to storm the streets to press home our demands”.