Ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day, the Amalgamation of Regional Youth Organizations of Nigeria (ARYON) has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu's reform agenda, urging Nigerians to remain patient and cooperative as the administration tackles economic and governance issues.
The coalition also endorsed the upcoming Renewed Hope Youth Festival, scheduled for June 12 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, describing it as a vital platform for youth empowerment, leadership development, national integration, and talent discovery.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, ARYON National President Mallam Ibrahim Ibrahim stated that the group had carefully assessed the governance trajectory under President Tinubu and concluded that many reforms are essential to correct long-standing structural distortions that have impeded national progress. The group acknowledged that some policies have caused hardships but emphasized their necessity for sustainable economic growth.
“Having carefully assessed the trajectory of governance over the last three years, ARYON hereby passes a vote of confidence on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We acknowledge that the reforms undertaken by this administration have required sacrifices from Nigerians. However, we also recognize that many of these decisions were necessary to correct long-standing structural distortions that hindered national development,” he said.
The coalition specifically highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as reforms that have addressed decades of inefficiencies, leakages, and economic distortions. According to ARYON, these policies have increased revenues for state and local governments, enhancing their capacity to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other social services.
The group also praised youth-focused initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which are expanding access to higher education and equipping young Nigerians with digital and technological skills for the global economy. Additionally, ARYON commended the government for appointing young Nigerians to strategic positions, demonstrating a commitment to youth inclusion in governance.
On infrastructure, ARYON pointed to projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, stating they will boost connectivity, attract investments, and create employment across the country. The coalition called for the immediate release of persons held captive by criminal elements and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend perpetrators of violence.
Expressing concern over attempts by some individuals and groups to sow division and distrust, ARYON urged young Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and embrace national unity. It stated that the June 12 Renewed Hope Youth Festival aligns with youth aspirations by providing opportunities for engagement, networking, innovation, entrepreneurship, and nation-building.
