Rising-Up for a United Nigeria has called on Nigerian youths, especially those who are unemployed to shun the planned protest and focus on the improving their skill set using the entrepreneurial opportunities presented by the Tinubu adminstration.
The Convener of RUN, Ambassador Solomon Adodo who was guest on the Radio Nigeria Network news this morning maintained that, there is no need for any protests to take place as the President is already addressing the key issues identified as reasons for the protests.
He charged Nigerian youths not to be distracted from enjoying the many benefits and entrepreneurship opportunities the Tinubu adminstration has already unveiled through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as other interventions that can sustainably address the recurring issue of poverty and suffering in the land.
In a parley with journalists shortly after his network news appearance, Ambassador Solomon Adodo sustained his anti-protest stance, insisting that, “there is virtually no need for Nigerian youths to protest as Mr. President has already started addressing those germaine issues that could have justified a national protest.
“For the records, the opening of international borders for food importation and the distribution of grains from the national reserves were pragmatic steps by the current administration to tackle hunger and food inflation in the short term.
“The current administration has also launched the consumer credit scheme and many other such interventions to boost the purchasing power of Nigerians and give the the opportunity to improve their standard of living.
“With the speedy passage of the new minimum wage into law, no sane individual can question the sincerity of the current administration to address the challenges faced by Nigerians and the idea of a protest seems very absurd in the face of all these efforts by the government.
“Just yesterday at the Federal Executive Council meeting, the federal government also graciously approved the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery to be paid in naira to reduce the strain on foreign exchange. This is a big boost to our local refining capacity and a sure step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and lower prices. The cries of the protest are being addressed. Therefore no true patriot woll be on the streets disrupting governance or business activities. A protest is different from a riot and what is being pushed for is a violent riot which the promoters hope will achieve a regime change”
Ambassador Solomon Adodo equally applauded the efforts of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dame Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, MD, CFA for aligning her Ministry with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and giving youths an opportunity for self employment and wealth creation.
“The Ministry of Trades and Investment has upheld its mandate of economic growth, job creation, access to capital, improved business environment, and poverty reduction under the current Minister. This is something that should cheer Nigerians up.
“The ministry is currently actively involved in negotiating Nigeria’s accession to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), recognising its potential for export diversification, market access expansion, and increased foreign direct investment (FDI).
“Indeed, several of its initiatives target reforms in the commodity trading landscape, fostering better outcomes for farmers and miners, artisans and other professionals. The Ministry is also spearheading robust outreach programs, and is at the verge of establishing a National Job Centre among other efforts.
“One strategic initiative worth celebrating is the Skill-UP artisans programme (SUPA), designed to boost the productivity and earnings of artisans. The current administration is determined, through this programme, to provide training and certification to 10 million artisans, giving them the skills and credentials needed to compete in the global marketplace.
“In pursuit of the vision for a $1 trillion economy by the Tinubu adminstration, through the Ministry of Industry, Trades and Investment under the capable leadership of Dame Doris has been making frantic efforts to revamping the Diaspora Investment Initiative. Currently, Nigeria has about $30 billion in investment commitments from various investors, thanks to her efforts.
“Any group of persons who choose the cowardly enterprise of protests to de-market the current administration and make a caricature of the tireless efforts of Mr. President and competent Ministers like Dame Doris Nkiriuka Uzoka-Anite is not a patriot and should not be taken seriously. We must, therefore, distance ourselves from any self seeking politician and refuse to be misled by people who are clearly enemies of our progress as youths”.
