Youths from different ethnic nationalities on Monday met in Lagos to chart a path for a united action against insecurity and ethnic tension in the country.
Represented at the meeting were the Yoruba, Hausa, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, among other ethnic groups as well as civil society organizations.
Under the alliance of National Alliance for Development (NADEV), the stakeholders expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country and resolved to work together to jointly find a solution to the insecurity and developmental challenges facing the nation.
The youths noted that Nigeria is more divided than it was in the past emphasising the need for all ethnic nationalities to believe in the project Nigeria even as they flayed the high rate of corruption in the country.
Chairman of the Summit and President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), lamented that the unity of Nigeria had never been this threatened, saying the youths felt the need to come together and explore ways of addressing the lingering issues.
He however clarified that the gathering was not about any political agenda, saying, “We are here to discuss about Nigeria. Nigeria is our concern and we must build a country where all of us would be proud of.”
President of Yoruba Council of Youth, Barr. Dotun Hassan said the country is “ailing deeply” requiring the collective efforts of all the ethnic nationalities to arrest the drift.
“We are here to rejig our hope in a united Nigeria. We have a responsibility to challenge the leadership of the country if they are drifting to failure.”
Representing the Ndigbo, Dr. Gideon Osi, who is the President of Save the Peace Initiative International, said no nation can thrive without justice, equity and rule of law, saying the ethnic nationalities would continue to brainstorm to end the lingering suspicion.
The Immediate Past President of Ijaw Youth Council, Barr. Pereotubo Oweikemi said the youths from every ethnic group must work together and unite against bad governance, saying, “It is when the authorities see that we are united that they would take us serious.”
Also speaking, Coalition Against Corruption Leaders (CACOL), Barr. Debo Adeniran said the gathering was aimed at dousing the tension across the country, stating that Nigeria would not progress on “a path of violence.”
Also speaking, Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani said the youth must wake up to challenge bad leadership in the country.
