Southwest youths label minister’s town hall meeting “jamboree”

As Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, prepares to hold a youth town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, there is a growing wave of dissatisfaction among the South West youth. In an open letter signed by Prince Ajibola Ilelabade, the region’s youth have criticised the event as a “government jamboree,” accusing it of being more about appearances than genuine engagement.

The letter emphasises the unwavering support the South West region has provided to the president but underscores that this loyalty comes with expectations for accountability and tangible results.

“The current atmosphere is one of heightened scrutiny,” Ilelabade wrote. “Young people are increasingly impatient with what they see as a lack of progress and concrete outcomes.”

Prince Ilelabade asserted that the president’s vision and efforts are being undermined by appointees who lack proactivity and action-driven approaches, thereby fuelling nationwide tensions. The letter specifically targets Dr. Bio’s town hall meeting, suggesting it epitomises this disconnect.

“What we need now is not another ‘talk shop’ but actionable deliverables and clear timelines. It is imperative that you shift focus from justifying your position to delivering on promises,” Ilelabade stated.

The youth are calling for the speedy rollout of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the implementation of the NYSC Trust Fund.

“The NYIF, designed to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs, must be rolled out with speed and efficiency. Delays and bureaucratic red tape have only served to exacerbate our frustrations,” the letter read.

Additionally, the implementation of the NYSC Trust Fund, which could significantly empower Corps Members and reduce youth unemployment, is described as long overdue.

Transparency and regular updates from the Minister are also demanded to rebuild trust.

“We need to see that our voices are being heard and that our concerns are being addressed with urgency and sincerity,” Ilelabade insisted.

The open letter highlights that the South West, as a region of sophisticated and educated youth, is not asking for handouts or virtue signalling by government appointees but real solutions. It criticises the selection process for town hall participants as shallow and unrepresentative of the region’s diversity.

“Why are the voices of our grassroots leaders, who understand the pulse of our communities, being ignored?” the letter questioned.

Moreover, the exclusion of the Minister of State, who hails from the South West and is described as a grassroots development-minded politician, is seen as a significant oversight.

“Her involvement could bridge the gap between the government’s intentions and the people’s needs,” Ilelabade noted.

The letter also points out that excluding other relevant government agencies from the town halls undermines the potential for effective inter-agency collaboration.

Prince Ilelabade concluded the letter by urging Dr. Bio to demonstrate genuine leadership by taking concrete actions.

“Dr. Bio, the time for empty promises is over; the time for concrete action is now. By delivering real results through the speedy rollout of the NYIF and the implementation of the NYSC Trust Fund, you can help restore our faith in the government and show that the administration is committed to our empowerment and development.”