By Zeniat Abubakar, Abuja
The former Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and founder of the Rufus Ebegba Centre for Leadership and Environmental Sustainability, Dr Rufus Ebegba, has called on Nigerian youth to support government programmes by generating ideas that will drive sustainable growth in the country.
Dr Ebegba made this appeal during the Nigeria Dialogue Media Chat held in Abuja, with the theme “Our Democratic Stability.”
He emphasized that the stability of the country is of utmost importance, and the purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform for Nigerian youth to express their opinions, concerns, and grievances.
“This forum allows us to discuss how we can sustain our democracy and ensure its stability. As a nation, we face numerous challenges that threaten our progress. This forum provides an opportunity, especially for the youth, to voice their views and be heard. Citizens must participate in governance and their voices must be considered in order to address the economic needs of the people effectively.” he said.
Dr Ebegba further highlighted that the discussions at the gathering would focus on how to sustain democracy amidst challenges, including security, electoral reforms, legislative reforms, judicial reforms, and economic infrastructure.
As the founder of the Rufus Ebegba Centre for Leadership and Environmental Sustainability, he mentioned that the foundation would compile a communique after the program and forward it to the National Assembly to guide government policies and directions.
Senator Ita Enang, a former lawmaker, stated that the Forum aimed to engage with Nigerian youth, address their concerns, reassure them, and renew their hope in the government led by President Bola Tinubu.
He assured the Nigerian youth that the current administration would do everything possible to improve their lives and bring hope to the nation.
Mr Dotun Omoleye, the National Public Relations Officer of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), appealed to the government to expedite the implementation of palliative measures to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
He also urged the government to find ways to directly impact the lives of civil servants.
“The National Council fully supports the removal of the subsidy and acknowledges that progress comes with challenges. However, this removal has made it extremely difficult for everyone, especially the younger population, to manage their finances,” he explained.
Mr Omoleye further called for the reintroduction of the Social Investment Programme for the youth.
The Nigeria Dialogue Media Chat focused on discussions related to youth development, economic transformation, and security.
The Rufus Ebegba Centre for Leadership and Environmental Sustainability was established to promote exemplary leadership in all areas of human endeavor, ensuring a just world, a strong and prosperous economy, and freedom for all within a sustainable environment.
