The Osun State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has warned its members and affiliated organisations against attending a meeting allegedly convened by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, describing the move as an attempt to further divide the council.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the council, Comrade Hassan Rafiu Olayemi, the NYCN said it had received information that the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Affairs was reaching out to heads of some youth organisations, inviting them to a meeting scheduled for the same day.
The council’s leadership insisted that the invitation was unauthorised, stressing that the Osun State Government had earlier announced the suspension of its dealings with the NYCN following an ongoing leadership crisis.
“The leadership of the council wishes to clearly inform all members that the government has stated that it has suspended dealings with our council.
Consequently, no arm of government has the authority to invite or engage our member organisations in any meeting whatsoever,” the statement read.
The NYCN accused the Ministry of Youth Affairs of attempting to sow discord within the council, adding that such efforts would not succeed.
It urged all member organisations, as well as heads of the VYOS and local branches, to boycott the meeting.
Reaffirming its unity and resolve, the council said it remained committed to what it described as a struggle for freedom and the protection of its independence.
The council also restated its demands, which include the provision of a well-equipped youth house, a probe of the commissioner and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, subventions for member organisations, the appointment of a commissioner for youth below the age of 45, and the provision of a bus for the youth council.
“We remain united, resolute, and formidable. Our freedom is sacrosanct,” the statement added.
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