The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Tajudeen Abbas says the youths have raised their voices and the government has heard.
The Speaker made the remark at a Townhall meeting with Nigerian youths groups and organisations, on the planned nationwide protest in Abuja.
The Speaker said that the government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, listens, understands, and is committed to transforming Nigeria into a country that works for young people.
“I have invited you here today to address pressing issues of urgent public importance. You have raised your voices, calling for an end to hunger, a reduction in the cost of living, an improvement in the minimum wage, and enhanced human capital development. These demands, though varied, converge on a single, powerful call for a better quality of life for all Nigerians. Addressing you today is one of the most important functions I have undertaken as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. As a father, I am driven by a desire to leave a better Nigeria for my children and their children. It is also my dream for all of you.
“Our purpose today is not to intimidate, entice, buy off, or stifle your constitutionally enshrined powers of free expression. Rather, it is to create a formal avenue of regular engagement, ensuring that your voices are heard at the highest levels of government. My message to you today is that your voice matters, and we are listening” Mr. Abbas said....[CONTINUE READING HERE ▶▶]
He also said that the President has demonstrated commitment through significant interventions.
“For instance, he approved a substantial intervention fund of N683 billion for public tertiary institutions for the 2024 cycle, aimed at improving the quality of education. The establishment of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) through the Access to Higher Education Act, 2024, which provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education and vocational training.
“Additionally, the President announced an ambitious plan to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a N125 billion infusion. Just this Monday, the President signed the new minimum wage bill into law, setting a national minimum wage of N70,000. Recall that the National Assembly passed that Bill in record time. You have also heard from some Honourable Ministers and Heads of Government Agencies on some of their programmes and projects geared towards the economic and social inclusion of Nigerian Youths. Your voice matters, and we are listening” he said.