By Remilekun Awokoya
President Tinubu had in his Independence Day broadcast revealed plan by his administration to convene a National Youth Conference to address challenges confronting youths in the country.
According to the President, the conference would lead to a meaningful dialogue with the youths who constituted more than 60 per cent of the population, to participate actively in nation-building.
“By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.
“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.
According to the President, the modalities of the Confab and selection of delegates would be designed in close consultation with young people through their representatives.
But in a statement by Debo Adeniran, its spokesperson, CDHR said the youths have already make their demands known and such confab would only end up as a waste of resources.
“Tinubu does not need any youth conference again, the youth have spoken loud and clear about want they want.
“What this administration needs to do is to address some of the issues raised during the “#EndSars” and “#EndBadGovernnace” protests.
“Such conference will end up being another waste of scare resources.
They have asked for return of fuel subsidy to reduce the hardship in town, and if this cannot be reversed, the people should see the impact of the proceeds in their lives,” Adeniran said.
CDHR said instead of providing loans for students, the government should provide grants and more scholarships as it insisted that education should be totally free as least for primary and secondary education.
The organisation added that such free education would relive the masses of burdens.