By Mary Onyia
The 64th anniversary celebration of Nigeria occurred without much fun fare with President Bola Tinubu announcing a 30-day confab for Nigerian youths to discuss challenges confronting them, in an attempt to calm nerves.
Tinubu stated this on Tuesday during his 64th Independence Day Anniversary Broadcast.
Despite his announcement, protests were held in some parts of the country, in Abuja and Lagos. The youths were demanding better governance and an end to economic hardship.
President Tinubu said the confab will ensure that the voices of youths are heard and recommendations implemented by his administration.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, assuring them of better days.
“I am pleased to announce a gathering of the National Youths Conference.
“This conference platform will address diverse challenges affecting our young people,” he said.
The president, however, failed to give a specific date for the proposed conference.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, in a bid to disperse the protesters, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force reportedly fired teargas canisters at the youths who gathered at the Berger roundabout moving towards Eagle Square.
The youths were protesting against hunger in the land and calling on President Bola Tinubu-led administration to address their grievances.
There were no reports of skirmishes in the few areas in Lagos where the protests took place. The atmosphere on Tuesday was generally calm and sober.