AHEAD of the June 12 Democracy day, the Amalgamation of Regional Youth Organizations of Nigeria (ARYON) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, urging Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as the administration continues efforts to address the country’s economic and governance challenges.

The coalition also endorsed the forthcoming Renewed Hope Youth Festival scheduled for June 12 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, describing it as a platform for youth empowerment, leadership development, national integration and talent discovery.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday,
ARYON National President, Mallam Ibrahim Ibrahim, said it had carefully assessed the trajectory of governance under the Tinubu administration and was convinced that many of the reforms being implemented were necessary to correct longstanding structural distortions that had hindered national development.

The group acknowledged that some of the policies had imposed hardships on citizens but argued that they were critical to placing the economy on a sustainable growth path.

“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 cited the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as reforms that had addressed decades of inefficiencies, leakages and economic distortions.

According to ARYON, the policies have improved revenues accruing to states and local governments, enhancing their capacity to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other social services.

The group also highlighted the administration’s youth-focused initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which it said were expanding access to higher education and equipping young Nigerians with digital and technological skills needed in the global economy.

It ll commended the government for appointing young Nigerians to strategic positions in public institutions, describing the move as evidence of its commitment to youth inclusion in governance.

On infrastructure development, ARYON pointed to ongoing projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, saying they would boost connectivity, attract investments and create employment opportunities across the country.

It called for the immediate release of persons being held captive by criminal elements and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of violence.

While expressing concern over what it described as attempts by some individuals and groups to sow division and distrust in the country, ARYON urged young Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and embrace national unity.

It said the June 12 Renewed Hope Youth Festival aligns with the aspirations of Nigerian youths by providing opportunities for engagement, networking, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building.