CDHR Criticizes President Tinubu's 30-Day Youth Conference Plan as Wasteful

 

The Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed its disapproval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's plan to hold a 30-day National Youth Conference, describing it as a potential waste of resources.

In his Independence Day speech, President Tinubu announced the conference, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian youths, who make up more than 60% of the country's population. He emphasized that the event would encourage meaningful dialogue with young people to actively engage them in nation-building.

"The 30-day confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice," Tinubu said, adding that the conference’s structure and delegate selection would be shaped in consultation with youth representatives.

However, CDHR spokesperson Debo Adeniran criticized the initiative, stating that Nigerian youths have already made their demands clear. He suggested that the proposed conference would only serve as a misuse of resources.

“Tinubu does not need another youth conference; the youth have spoken loud and clear about what they want,” Adeniran said. He urged the administration to focus on addressing the concerns raised during the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protests.

According to CDHR, the government should prioritize issues such as the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy to alleviate the current economic hardships. "If the subsidy cannot be reversed, the people should see the direct benefits from its removal in their lives," Adeniran added.

Additionally, CDHR called for more grants and scholarships, arguing that education, at least at the primary and secondary levels, should be made free to ease the financial burden on families. The organization stressed that such measures would have a more tangible impact on the lives of the masses than the proposed conference.