The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has refuted claims that a National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, is facing disciplinary action for criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media.
In an interview on Channels TV on Monday night, Olawande dismissed reports suggesting that Uguamaye was being punished, stating that no formal action had been taken against her. “Nobody threatened her. Actually, for me, did you see the communication? Have you had any panel for her now?” the minister questioned, rejecting the allegations of disciplinary measures.
Olawande further explained that while the NYSC operates under structured regulations, any concerns regarding Uguamaye’s comments likely stemmed from a local official rather than the scheme’s central administration. “NYSC is in all local governments. Probably the local government coordinator saw the post and recognized her as a corps member and decided to put a call. That doesn’t mean it’s coming from the headquarters,” he clarified.
While addressing the controversy, Olawande acknowledged the widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerian youths regarding the country’s economic and political conditions. When asked about the frustrations felt by many young Nigerians, the minister admitted the challenges but emphasized that the government was working to resolve them. “Everybody knows, and I’ve said this outside here, that no country can fetch water from a dry well. The president picked this country from a dry well, and we are trying to see what we can do to revive it,” he stated.
Additionally, Olawande defended the government’s student loan initiative, calling it a positive step towards creating economic opportunities for young Nigerians. “A president or a government that wants to give a student loan knows that he’s going to provide jobs for those students so they can pay back. And that is where we are going,” he explained.
In response to concerns about government suppression of dissent, Olawande urged young Nigerians to engage in thorough research before forming opinions. “I’ve said this clearly: let us always make research. Put it on your laptop. You have access to gadgets. Make research—what has happened in the past, where we are now, and what we are doing,” he advised.
Despite the minister’s reassurances, online discussions continue to intensify, with many Nigerian youths participating in the trending #RantChallenge.
