We can no longer ignore the youths — ACF warns

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Wednesday warned that Nigerian leaders can no longer ignore the country’s youths or their demands, stressing that any attempt to do so comes with serious risks.

ACF chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh who stated this at the Forum’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna stressed that: “the current restiveness of the youth particularly in the North is a potent threat to the wellbeing of the region and the nation at large.”

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Daily Trust reports that Ogbeh’s speech comes on the heels of violence in some states across the country following weeks of protest by youths hopping to bring an end to police brutality.

Ogbeh explained that in the face of current realities and pressing needs, the ACF must re- strategise and refocus its energies on new developments especially when faced with serious challenges that range from social, economic and political in nature.

“We can and must confront them headlong through investment in education, agriculture and industry. We must bring along the youth, our own children and reconnect with them, support them and even learn from them. We can no longer ignore them and their demands. As we only do so at our own peril,” he said.

The chairman added that: “The current restiveness of the youth particularly in the North is a potent threat to the wellbeing of the region and the nation at large. It is my hope that now, more than ever before, is the time for all stakeholders to buckle up, save our children and secure their future.”