Group launches initiative to mark #EndSARS anniversary, says Nigerian youths are oppressed

The Alliance of Business and Professional Women (ABPW) has launched an initiative seeking to empower youths in underdeveloped communities in commemoration of this year’s #EndSARS anniversary.

In a statement on Wednesday, the group said the movement, titled the Youth Connect Initiative, will kick off officially in Lagos in January 2022 and progress to other states.

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According to the group, the initiative targets youths between 18 and 30 years of age who must belong to a community-based organisation and provide relevant references to be eligible.

It said: “On this day, a year ago, after weeks of peaceful protest by our youths, patriotic Nigerians watched in horror as defenceless youths of Nigeria under the banner of the END SARS movement were allegedly attacked by security forces during a peaceful protest against police brutality, harassment and extortion in the country.

“The fallout of this event was calls for transparent and good governance.

“To commemorate one year since the peaceful End SARS protests, ABPW is launching its Youth Connect Initiative by which it will be equipping youths from underprivileged communities with skills to provide gainful employment.

“This project is designed to prepare un(der)employed young men and women from disadvantaged communities for the job market with an emphasis on technology, connecting them to job opportunities whilst inspiring them to undertake their civic responsibilities.

“The programme will provide amongst other – employability skills, entrepreneurship, vocational and personal development.”

Toyin Sanni, chairman of APBW governance board, the movement will help erase the painful memories of last year’s #EndSARS among youths.

Sanni said: “The Youth Connect Initiative is a most fitting way to turn a most painful memory into something good for our youths who have for decades been ignored, marginalized, oppressed and economically excluded by providing employability solutions to aid entrepreneurship and also provide employment opportunities, working with institutional partners.

“Our ultimate goal is to establish end to end job creation, creating a cadre of skilled and engaged youth with strong sense of civic responsibilities.”