Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the federal government to pay attention to the young people who recently took to the streets in protest across the nation. During a meeting with six National Assembly members at his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, Obasanjo stressed the importance of taking the concerns of the youth seriously.
He expressed concern that if the government continues to ignore the youths’ demands, the situation could escalate and lead to serious consequences. Obasanjo pointed out that many young people in the country are dealing with deep frustration, largely due to high levels of unemployment and other pressing issues affecting Nigeria.
Obasanjo emphasized that just as he and others are proud to be Nigerians, the youth too deserve to live a life free from the chains of poverty. He questioned why the government is not listening to the voices of these young citizens, who are often desperate, angry, and without jobs. He suggested that it’s no surprise that they have taken to the streets, as their circumstances have driven them to a point of desperation.
The former president further added that for Nigeria to achieve its full potential, every citizen must contribute to the nation’s growth, and a shift in mentality is needed across the board. In his view, recognizing and addressing the grievances of the youth is crucial to moving the country forward.