Angry Youth Association of Nigeria (AYAN) Calls Off Nationwide Protest, Set to Dialogue with President Tinubu
By Wilson Macaulay
The Angry Youth Association of Nigeria (AYAN), also known as the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria, has decided to call ,,-off ,the planned ten-day nationwide protest which just entered Day four today. This decision follows a swift response from key leaders in the Niger Delta region, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sam Ogboku; Honorable Prince Ebitimi Amgbare; and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator.
AYAN, a coalition representing unemployed graduates and skilled, law-abiding, and productive youths across Nigeria’s 36 states, had initially announced the protest to draw attention to the escalating unemployment crisis and demand immediate government intervention. The group comprises a diverse membership, unified by the common goal of securing meaningful employment opportunities and economic empowerment.
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National President Comrade Parker Waritimi, National Secretary Owei Ebisinde, and National Mobilization Officer Soyimiegha Kevin O., along with Rivers State Coordinator Orolobo Mac Harry, have been at the forefront in organizing the protest. Their leadership galvanized thousands of youths nationwide, poised to take to the streets in a demonstration of their frustrations and demands for action.
However, the intervention of Niger Delta leaders has prompted AYAN to reconsider its approach. In an official statement, Comrade Parker Waritimi expressed the association’s appreciation for the proactive engagement of these leaders.
General Parker while speaking with the media, said:”We recognize the efforts of NDDC MD Sam Ogboku, Hon. Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro in addressing our concerns and opening channels for dialogue,” Waritimi said.
The leadership of AYAN believes that a constructive dialogue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offers a promising path to addressing the underlying issues contributing to high unemployment rates.
He further said:
“We are committed to working collaboratively with the government to develop sustainable solutions that will provide jobs and enhance the economic prospects of our members,” Waritimi added.”
The decision to suspend the protest has been met with mixed reactions among AYAN members and the broader public. While some youths are hopeful that dialogue will yield positive results, others remain skeptical and cautious, given past experiences with unfulfilled promises. Nonetheless, the move towards dialogue marks a critical step in AYAN’s advocacy strategy, signaling a willingness to engage with the government in finding long-term solutions.
The upcoming dialogue with President Tinubu is expected to address key demands from AYAN, including the creation of job opportunities, implementation of skill acquisition programs, and investment in sectors that can absorb a large number of unemployed youths. The association also seeks assurances of transparency and accountability in the execution of these programs.
As the nation awaits the outcome of these discussions, the spotlight remains on the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment, a pressing issue with significant implications for the country’s social and economic stability. The decision by AYAN to call off the protest in favor of dialogue underscores the importance of responsive and responsible governance in addressing the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s youth.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the interactions between AYAN’s leadership and President Tinubu, with the hope that this dialogue will pave the way for meaningful and lasting change in the lives of millions of unemployed youths across Nigeria.
