By Comrade Preye V. Tambou
Office of the National President, Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN), Comr. Preye V. Tambou
5th May, 2025
The Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) wholeheartedly commends the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for his candid assessment of Nigeria’s economic woes. His statement highlighting the country’s regressing economic state, with GDP per capita plummeting to $824 from $1,847 in 1960, resonates deeply with our organisation.
We echo Dr. Adesina’s sentiments, having consistently emphasized the nation’s economic struggles and their devastating impact on the populace, particularly the youth. The AfDB President’s call for urgent economic reforms, diversification, investment in human capital, and strengthening institutions aligns with our advocacy for inclusive, sustainable reforms to address hardship, poverty and unemployment.
As an organisation dedicated to the welfare of unemployed youths, we understand the dire consequences of economic mismanagement and policy inconsistency. Dr. Adesina’s bold statement serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, economists, and stakeholders to reengineer Nigeria’s economic foundation.
However, we are appalled by the response of Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who chose to politicize this critical issue. We strongly condemn his attempt to deflect attention from the real problems facing Nigerians. The matter at hand is not about figures or statistics; it’s about the harsh realities of poverty, hunger, and unemployment that millions of Nigerians face daily.
We urge the government to focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in petty politics. Dr. Adesina’s statement should be taken seriously, and his recommendations should be considered in the national interest. The Nigerian government need to heed Dr. Adesina’s advice and implement bold reforms to diversify the economy, invest in human capital development, and strengthen institutions. This will help address the pressing issues of poverty, hunger, and unemployment that have taken a toll on the lives of millions of Nigerians.
SWUYN stands in solidarity with Dr. Adesina and other stakeholders advocating for meaningful change. We believe that with concerted efforts, Nigeria can overcome its economic challenges and build a brighter future for its citizens.
Comr. Preye V. Tambou
National President, Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN)
