Youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has hailed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government for the release of the schoolchildren abducted by bandits in Kaduna State.
The group was also full of praise for the Tinubu administration over the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approval of a 2 per cent youth quota and 30 per cent representation of young people in all government appointments.
It could be recalled that the pupils, who were freed in Zamfara State, arrived in Kaduna on Monday amid jubilation by their parents and guardians.
The federal government has also come out to say that no ransom was paid for their freedom.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike described the efforts of the government and the security agencies as historical.
Okwu said the swift action taken by the government was responsible for the successful rescue of the hostages, stressing that “such would have been the case with Chibok girls, but the then government, which was ill advised, lived in denial until the children were moved to different locations.”
He said, “we are glad that the President marched words with action and it produced the success story we are celebrating. This is what we should be. Nigeria should not be made to look like the safest abode for criminals.
“It gladdens our hearts that these innocent children have now been safely reunited with their loved ones.”
He, however, advised the government to go all out and arrest anyone who has anything to do with the escalating cases of abductions and banditry in the country.
“No matter how highly placed, such persons should be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.
“There should be a tough stance against all promoters of terrorism in whatever form,” Okwu advised.
Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze youths have also commended the FEC for approving two initiatives aimed at fostering better inclusion and development opportunities for the teeming youth population of Nigeria.
They include the institutionalisation of a 2 per cent youth quota, 30 per cent representation of young people in all government appointments and the restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, NYIF.
Okwu described the decision as “another milestone by the Tinubu administration on youth inclusion.
“This is why we continue to appeal to the youths to remain calm and positive as we have every assurance that this government means well for the youthful generation.
“We salute Mr President so much and urge those in charge to ensure full implementation of these approvals to enable the youths contribute their quota towards the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.”