The Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest against the government, urging President Bola Tinubu to address the pressing economic challenges.
In a Communiqué issued at the end of the 2nd Quarter of the National Executive Council (NEC) of YOWICAN and signed by its President, Belusochukwu Enwere, YOWICAN called on Christian youths to rise to the current economic challenges in the country by engaging themselves through vocational and skills acquisition so as to be self-reliance.
They commended the National Assembly over the speedy passage of the N70,000 minimum wage. YOWICAN also commended the federal government for granting local government financial autonomy and the implementation of Student Loan.
The NEC however drew the attention of President Tinubu to the persistent hardship in the country which is occasioned by the constantly rising cost of living in the country which has resulted in an unprecedented level of hunger and suffering experienced by millions of Nigerians.
“While appreciating the successes made so far by the security agencies in addressing insecurities in the country, the NEC totally condemn in its entirety, the persistence of this insecurity in our country which has manifested in the continuous killings across the country especially, the recent multiple bomb blast in Borno State where about 18 people lost their lives.
“We also call for the immediate release of Pastor Paul Musa, his wife who was abducted since March 2023, the director of Ecumenism and his daughter who were abducted in Gusau Zamfara State as well as others abducted elsewhere and are still in the hands of their abductors.
“The NEC wishes to state in clear terms that it dissociates itself from any form of forthcoming protest organized to demonstrate hardship or bad governance by unknown individuals across the country.
“We are hopeful that the steps taken so far by the Government and with the constant support and cooperation of all Nigerians, we shall get through this difficult moment. The NEC has resolved to prayers and constant engagement with the Government until things get better for the nation.
“The NEC calls on all Christian youths to rise to the current economic challenges in the country by engaging themselves through vocational and skills acquisition so as to be self-reliant.
“The NEC calls on the Government to continue to engage the youths and create more opportunities for the youths to be involved in nation-building. The NEC calls on Christian Youths in the country to be dedicated to Christ and committed in fellowship at their Zonal and State levels while praying for the nation for a total economic turnaround”, the Communiqué reads.
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