It is with high sense of responsibility and regard that I write you concerning the planned Nationwide protest slated for Thursday 1st August, 2024.
I am aware of the economic hardship that has permeated our country as a result of the government policies in furtherance to rejigging our economy has affected all and Sundry. I am also aware of how frustrating it has become to survive in this country at this time. To say as youths of this country, the economic situation has denied us the ability to grow and progress in all facets of our life.
The economic hardship has made it impossible for young men who are ripe for marriage to take a wife, the double-digit inflation has made it impossible for young men who have families to cater for the family, and it has also made it a herculean task for young entrepreneurs to survive or float new businesses. Indeed, the times are hard for Nigerian youths.
In the middle of all these, we must also remember that the policies which have triggered this hardship are pertinent to taking back our country to its glory days economically. The removal of subsidies has since become imperative because the country now depends on loans to pay subsidies. The double-digit inflation is inevitable because our economy survives on petrol, and increments in the price of petroleum products automatically trigger prices of goods and services.
I am tempted to remind us of the Yorùbá adage that says; ní títa ní ríro làn kolà, tó bá jiná, á doge. It means tribal marks are drawn with pain, and when the bruises heal, they become fashionable.
This period in the history of our country is a reformatory period that is sacrosanct to the economic advancement of our beloved nation and as a matter of patriotism, we must endeavor to persevere in anticipation of a better and improved Nigeria that awaits us.
It is premised on the above, that I appeal to youths from the Southwest region to desist from any action such as protest that may take us back to the days of holocaust and prolong our journey to the promised land.
While I recognize that our right to protest is entrenched in the Constitution of the land, I must also remind us that it is best that we use that right only when it becomes important. Currently, the economic indicators show the country is on the right track. Major among the economic indicators is our balance of trade, it shows that for the first time in about 30 years, our exports are higher than our imports, the government has just approved the new minimum wage and our students are now beginning to receive student loans. these and many more are signs of the proximity of the promised land.
In my capacity as the Speaker of the Southwest Youth Parliament, I beseech us, to give our President; His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time and not distract him by engaging in needless protests at this crucial time.
May we all live to witness the promised land.
RT. HON. TEMITOPE E. JOSEPH ANIPR
Honourable Speaker, SWYP
