Twenty Five Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have decided to forgo their planned demonstration following their participation in a youth town hall meeting organized by the House of Representatives.
Dr. Matthew Nabut, the Executive Director of the Centre for Change and Democracy Studies, conveyed the collective decision of the NGOs in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday subsequent to the town hall meeting with Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
The gathering, which transpired on July 31, facilitated an open exchange of ideas and culminated in a resolution following a fruitful discourse with Speaker Abass.
In the aftermath of the meeting, Nabut, acting as the spokesperson for the coalition of NGOs and CSOs, expressed contentment with the outcome.
“We arrived here with intentions to protest as we believed our voices were disregarded. Nonetheless, after engaging with Speaker Abass and observing the genuine nature of his approach, we are convinced that dialogue is the most constructive path forward. Consequently, we have opted to call off the planned protest and afford the government the opportunity to fulfill their commitments,” the spokesperson articulated.
The demonstration was initially slated in response to what the NGOs and CSOs perceived as governmental inaction on pivotal issues that impact the youth.
Notably, the decision to orchestrate the protest was made subsequent to several unsuccessful attempts to engage with policy makers.
The youth town hall meeting was perceived as a final recourse to avert the protest and discover common ground.
The convened town hall meeting aimed to address the grievances and demands of various youth-led organizations, drawing robust participation from diverse groups nationwide.
Discussions encompassed pressing socio-economic matters, governmental policies, and the role of youth in national progress.
Renowned for advocating for inclusive governance, the Speaker directly engaged with representatives of the NGOs and CSOs.
He underscored the government’s dedication to addressing their concerns and highlighted existing as well as forthcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing the socio-economic circumstances of the youth.
Abass emphasized, “This administration acknowledges the pivotal role our youth play in shaping the nation’s future. We are committed to establishing an environment where their voices are acknowledged and their contributions are esteemed.”
The purpose of the town hall meeting was to ensure that the government comprehended their concerns and collaboratively work towards enduring solutions.
The interactive session provided the youth representatives with a platform to candidly express their frustrations and aspirations.
Central themes of discussion encompassed employment opportunities, educational reforms, security, and the necessity for transparency in governance.
The Speaker reassured attendees that their input would be pivotal in policy formulation and implementation.
In response to the cancellation, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, lauded the speaker’s initiative, deeming it a masterstroke.
He commended the speaker for elevating engagement to a higher echelon, allowing all aggrieved parties to articulate their grievances and collectively resolve the issues.
