Nationwide Protest: Consider Present Volatility of Nigeria, Peace Corps Begs Organisers

• The Peace Corps of Nigeria urged organizers of the August 1 protests to reconsider, citing the nation’s volatile situation and economic challenges
• National Commandant Dickson Akoh emphasized dialogue over protests, appealing for patience and support for President Tinubu’s administration to address pressing issues

The leadership of the Peace Corps of Nigeria has appealed to the organizers of the nationwide protest, scheduled to occur from August 1 to 10, to reconsider their plans due to the volatile nature of the nation.

Speaking at a press conference at Peace Corps headquarters in Abuja, the National Commandant of the Corps, Dickson Akoh, expressed concerns about the potential aftermath of the proposed protest. He acknowledged the severe economic challenges facing the country, including rising inflation, unemployment, hunger, and insecurity, which have adversely affected the lives of Nigerians.

“The organization acknowledges some of the overwhelming burning issues of concern that have negatively affected the people’s lives, which form the backbone of the proposed protest. These issues range from rising inflation, unemployment, hunger, insecurity, and the general economic situation, all with adverse consequences on the people’s lives, the socio-economic, and security of the nation,” Akoh stated.

He emphasized that the current situation can only be resolved through a combination of short-, medium-, and long-term measures under a rational system. Akoh urged the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu to implement feasible measures to address these issues and prevent the need for protests.

“The Peace Corps of Nigeria, therefore, passionately appeals to all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the youth, to exercise a little more patience and support Mr. President in driving his programs and policies for the ultimate benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians,” Akoh added.

He called on the government to adopt a more robust, sustainable, and standardized approach to ensure that the youth are meaningfully engaged in productive ventures, which will help mitigate the current economic and security challenges. Akoh emphasized that in more developed economies, concerted efforts are made to engage the youth in productive activities, making them economically useful to themselves and society.

He urged the Federal Government to support genuine youth groups like the Peace Corps of Nigeria as a vehicle to empower the youth effectively.