The #FearlessInOctober protest saw a disappointing turnout across the Federal Capital Territory and other states, amidst a heavy presence of security operatives.
Organizers from the Take It Back Movement criticized the recently announced 30-day National Youth Conference by President Bola Tinubu, dismissing it as a “jamboree” aimed at rewarding the President’s supporters.
In his Independence Day address, President Tinubu emphasized the need for a National Youth Conference to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s youth, who make up over 60% of the population. He described the conference as an opportunity for young people to collaboratively develop solutions to issues like education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.
However, Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, expressed skepticism about the initiative. He accused the President of intending to waste taxpayers’ money on what he called a “jamboree for his supporters.” He questioned the lack of prior consultation in the President’s policy decisions, pointing to significant expenditures, including the acquisition of a private jet and the construction of a lavish apartment for the Vice President, without any confabs being organized.
Sanyaolu stated, “Nigerians don’t need a confab. We need good governance, and it is not a confab that will fix that.” He confirmed that the protest will continue, although a new date will be announced, as there are still supporters in various states eager to demonstrate.
In response, Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated that the government would establish an implementation task force to oversee the execution of recommendations from the upcoming youth confab. He assured that extensive stakeholder consultations informed the decision for a longer conference, which aims to create a platform for youth voices.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele supported the initiative, stressing the importance of engaging with the youth beyond moments of protest.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Coalition for United Political Parties criticized the youth confab as a misallocation of priorities, suggesting it reflects the President’s lack of substantive ideas for governance.
