Igbo Youth Withdraw from Nationwide Protest

The Igbo Youth Consultative Forum (IYCF) has officially announced their withdrawal from the nationwide hunger protest. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on July 30th, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Led by Chief Dr. Stephen Ukpai Ohafia (KSJI), the IYCF expressed gratitude for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s swift approval of the South East Development Commission. The forum believes that this development signifies substantial benefits for the Igbo community under the current administration.

In their statement, the IYCF acknowledged the ongoing hunger crisis in Nigeria but advocated for patience and dialogue as more effective solutions. They highlighted the risks associated with protests, particularly the potential for them to be hijacked by hoodlums, which could lead to further destruction in the region.

The IYCF also called on President Tinubu to expedite the release of Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting that a political and diplomatic resolution would greatly enhance peace in Southeastern Nigeria. Additionally, the forum emphasized the importance of including Igbo youth in the implementation of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and other intervention programs under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The protest is scheduled to commence on August 1st and will continue until August 10th, at which point a decision will be made on whether to extend the protest.

Read Press Release Below,

Press Release

IGBO YOUTH WITHDRAW FROM NATIONWIDE PROTEST

Date: July 30, 2024

The Igbo Youth Consultative Forum (IYCF), under the distinguished leadership of Chief Dr. Stephen Ukpai Ohafia (KSJI), has officially withdrawn from the nationwide hunger protest. This decision was communicated in a statement issued after their emergency meeting held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The forum commended the prompt response of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in assenting to the establishment of the South East Development Commission. They expressed confidence that the Igbo community stands to gain significantly from the current administration. While acknowledging the prevailing hunger in the nation, the group emphasized patience and dialogue as more effective measures to address systemic issues.

The IYCF also highlighted the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest but expressed concerns over potential hijacking by hoodlums, which could lead to further destruction in the region. They urged the President to expedite the release of Nnamdi Kanu, advocating for a political and diplomatic approach to this matter as it would greatly contribute to peace in Southeastern Nigeria.

Furthermore, the forum expressed optimism in the President's commitment to alleviating youth suffering through the implementation of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF). They called for the active inclusion of Igbo youth in the execution of intervention programs under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The protest is scheduled to commence on August 1st and will continue until August 10th, at which point a decision will be made on whether to extend the protest.

This development is significant as it reflects the strategic decisions of the Igbo Youth Consultative Forum to engage constructively with the federal government. Aro Okeigbo Blog will continue to provide updates on this evolving story.