The Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State Chapter, has strongly condemned the lavish book launch of former military ruler Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), calling it an insult to the millions of unemployed Nigerian youths struggling to survive.
Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, speaking on behalf of the association, expressed outrage over the billions of naira spent on the event, arguing that such resources should have been directed toward other critical sectors, from job creation to education, and poverty alleviation.
“It’s shameful that while millions of Nigerian youths remain jobless, unable to afford basic necessities of life, our leaders continue to squander resources on self-serving projects,” Fajoye lamented. “The billions splashed at this book launch could have been invested in skills development programs, small business, grants, and other initiatives that would directly benefit the ever growing population of struggling Nigerians youths.”
Fajoye also criticized the elite donors who funded the event, alleging that most of their wealth was built on a corrupt system that continuously sidelines the poor. “While the prices of essential goods keep rising, with ordinary Nigerians barely making ends meet, these billionaires have no problems, throwing money into unnecessary luxuries, at the expense of the teaming suffering Nigerians populace,” he said.
The UYAN chairman further condemned the systemic corruption that has long plagued the country, asserting that Nigeria’s leadership has failed to prioritize the welfare of its people. He pointed out that IBB, who has been accused over the years, for annulling the country’s freest and fairest election in 1993, and has finally confessed to this fact in his book, should not be celebrated in a sane clime, but rather held accountable for his role in Nigeria’s economic and political wows.
Fajoye called on all Nigerian youths to unite and demand accountability from the country’s leadership, emphasizing that until corruption is tackled, the cycle of poverty and unemployment will persist, and by extension continue to create an unsafe environment. Stressing that “The suffering of Nigerian youths will not come to an end, unless we collectively stand up against bad governance at all levels, and demand that our leaders prioritize the interests of the people over their selfish gains,” he declared.
UYAN vowed to continue advocating for job creation and youth empowerment, urging the government and private sector to focus on meaningful investments that benefit the nation rather than wasteful celebrations of controversial figures.
Middle-Belt Times 