The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a warning to Nigerian youth regarding the potential dangers of a planned protest, News About Nigeria reports.
Mrs. Theresa Omaga, the state director of NOA in Bauchi State, released a statement on Friday urging young people to reconsider their plans for a nationwide protest set for August.
Omaga emphasised the importance of dialogue as a means to address grievances and achieve peace.
She stated, “While Nigerians have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, experience has shown that such actions do not always end as intended, hence the need for a rethink. The government is aware of the challenges faced by Nigerians and is willing to listen to the youth if they choose to engage in meaningful dialogue.”
The planned protest, aimed at addressing economic hardships, has been gaining momentum across the country, raising concerns and eliciting mixed reactions.
Security forces nationwide are reportedly preparing to respond to the protest, which is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has assured the public that the youth in his state will not participate in the planned nationwide strike.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Minna on Thursday, Governor Bago stressed that the youth of Niger State are committed to peace and have no interest in joining the protest.
“We, as youths of Niger State, have distanced ourselves from the nationwide protest because we are peaceful and want peace and tranquility,” he said.
Governor Bago urged those pushing for the protest to consider alternative approaches through communication and dialogue.
“You can start demonstrations but you cannot end demonstrations. To the youths who are advocating for this protest, let us end these agitations, let us communicate and dialogue on the best way forward,” he advised.
The NOA and state authorities continue to promote dialogue and peaceful resolution as the best methods to address the concerns of the youth and the broader population.
