An International press conference was held on February 28, 2024, by the Coalition of Ogun State Youth Forums (COSYF) at Iwe Iroyin, NUJ House, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The purpose of the conference was to present innovative proposals aimed at alleviating the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, with a particular focus on the youth.
During the conference, the coalition acknowledged the hardships experienced by Nigerians, especially during these difficult times. They emphasized the importance of finding solutions without disrupting daily income opportunities, which many rely on for survival. The coalition proposed engaging the government through media engagements to prompt proactive action at all levels.
The coalition also directed messages to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun. They urged President Tinubu to take urgent measures to alleviate the pain and suffering of Nigerians, emphasizing the need for decisive actions. To Governor Abiodun, they commended his efforts in prioritizing the development of Ogun State but highlighted the lack of mechanisms to include the youth in state initiatives, interventions, and measures.
The coalition enumerated the harsh realities faced by Nigerians, including high inflation rates, unemployment, and insecurity. They presented a series of policy suggestions to address these challenges, including reopening international borders, incorporating non-state actors into the palliative committee, providing one year of free health insurance for all residents, establishing a well-managed food bank, and granting subsidies for transportation and small and medium-scale enterprises.
They also emphasized the importance of job creation, promoting mechanized farming, implementing favorable policies, and addressing security concerns. Additionally, the coalition requested a quarterly Youth Parley with Governor Abiodun to enhance communication and awareness of opportunities for the youth.
The coalition set a one-month deadline for the government to initiate and implement these proposals to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of citizens.
