The Coalition of Voluntary Youth Organisations under the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reprimand the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, amid the ongoing leadership turmoil within the council.
This appeal was made during a press briefing held in Abuja, where the coalition voiced serious concerns over what they described as the minister’s “interference and provocative remarks” regarding NYCN’s internal matters.
In a joint declaration signed by Victor D. Anawo of the Middle Belt Youth Organisation and Samson Onoja from the Youth Consensus for Good Leadership, the coalition accused the minister, through his Senior Special Assistant, Ms. Kehinde Awujola, of influencing the NYCN election that resulted in Comrade Babangida Onimisi Isah’s presidency.
Despite the election’s conclusion, the coalition alleges that the minister has since backed an Interim Management Committee (IMC) aimed at displacing the legitimately elected leadership-an act they deem “unconstitutional and contrary to the NYCN’s governing rules.”
“It is alarming that following a transparent election and the emergence of new leadership, Mr. Ayodele Olawande is instigating discord by endorsing the IMC, which was established after the suspension of the NYCN Board of Trustees, to supplant the democratically chosen president of Nigerian youths,” the statement partially reads.
“Such conduct risks igniting unrest among Nigerian youths, who are already mobilizing in response. While we appreciate the Minister’s dedication to youth empowerment, his recent conduct has been viewed as provocative and dismissive of the challenges facing Nigerian youths.”
The coalition has urged President Tinubu to step in and ensure that the minister’s conduct reflects the administration’s goals of peace, unity, and inclusive youth engagement.
Additionally, the group called on Nigerian youths to maintain composure and adhere to lawful behavior, while reaffirming their commitment to working alongside the government to uphold stability and national unity.
“We implore the President to direct the Minister to desist from actions that undermine peace and to align his efforts with the administration’s vision for harmony and progress. We also encourage all Nigerians to remain peaceful as we collectively strive for the advancement of our nation,” the statement concluded.
