In a heartfelt address, Ambassador Aisha Abdulkadir Yau, a prominent humanitarian ambassador and advocate for family and economic stability, urged Nigerians to exercise caution and prioritize peace amid growing calls for nationwide protests against the current economic situation.
Speaking to the press, Ambassador Aisha emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and the potential dangers of violent protests. Drawing on her roles as a wife, mother, and humanitarian, she passionately appealed to mothers to dissuade their children from participating in violent demonstrations and encouraged spouses to embrace patience with President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope" agenda.
"While the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our democracy and is a powerful tool for voicing concerns, I urge all Nigerians to consider the potential consequences carefully," Ambassador Aisha stated. She referenced the End SARS protests of 2020, highlighting how initially peaceful demonstrations tragically escalated into widespread chaos, resulting in significant economic disruption and loss of life.
Ambassador Aisha warned that a nationwide protest at this juncture could lead to similar disruptions and hardships. She underscored that such actions often impact the most vulnerable in society, including daily wage earners, small business owners, students, and patients in hospitals.
Acknowledging the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians, Ambassador Aisha affirmed the government's commitment to addressing these challenges through various initiatives:
1. Economic Reforms: The government is implementing comprehensive reforms to stabilize and grow the economy, attract foreign investment, bolster local industries, and create jobs, particularly for the youth.
2. Support for Small Businesses: Expanded support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) include low-interest loans, grants, and business development services to help SMEs thrive and generate employment.
3.Social Welfare Programs: Enhanced social welfare programs provide direct financial assistance, food distribution, and healthcare subsidies for those most in need.
4. Infrastructure Development: Significant investments in infrastructure projects aim to create jobs and stimulate economic activity, building a stronger foundation for future growth.
5. Dialogue and Engagement: The government is committed to open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, labor unions, and community leaders, to address grievances and work towards sustainable solutions.
Ambassador Aisha called for cooperation over disruption and chaos, urging Nigerians to protect their children and each other by seeking peaceful, strategic avenues for advocacy. "As a mother, my heart aches at the thought of losing more of our young ones to violence," she said. "Let us choose the path of cooperation and work together to build a Nigeria that offers prosperity and opportunity for all."
The Women Initiative for Family Economy (WIFE), represented by Ambassador Aisha, continues to advocate for peaceful and constructive engagement in addressing the nation's challenges.