The Federal Government has on Sunday revealed that over one million applications have been received since the Youths investment portal went live on October 12, 2020.
Making this disclosure in a statement on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to President to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu who cited the President’s National Youth Day speech delivered by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello revealed that the President encouraged the youths to engage in meaningful discussions with the government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.
Buhari further revealed that his administration is ever ready to partner with the youths in building the nation.
‘‘Now I want to hear concrete and practical ideas from the youths, while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests.
![[FILE] A proterster raise the Nigerian national flag along with an EndSars flag during a protest to commemorate one anniversary of EndSars, a protest movement against police brutality at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, on October 20, 2021. – Hundreds of youth match to commemorate one year anniversary of Endars protest that rocked the major cities across the country on October 20, 2020. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/000_9Q26WJ-scaled-e1643856450254.jpg "FG gets #EndSARS report two years after, promises implementation 3")
“You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.
”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.
”Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.
”It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.
”As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavour,” Buhari said.
Also opposing the wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young Nigerians, Buhari said:
”No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.
”It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.
‘To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy and faith in the innate goodness of our people.
”This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge.”
Further revealing that his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives aimed at empowering youths across the country, Buhari said:
“Today we will unveil the official logo of the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.
“This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much-needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise.
”The birth of the Nigerian Youth Policy in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund in July 2020, Young Farmers Initiative, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership/Mentoring (DEEL) programme, which recently received an approval of N4 billion naira for implementation, and the Not Too Young to Run Act.”
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