By Oriri Peter

A Coalition, comprising of the North Central Zonal Caucus of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Middle Belt Sociopolitical Youth Think-Tank, has lamented the socio-economic consequences of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and the association lockdown across the Country.

The Groups, in a joint statement signed by NYCN's Zonal Vice-President, Comrade Felix Onuh and Conveners of the Think-Tank, Comrade Jacob Ochulayi and Comrade Richard Haruna Yakubu noted that a majority of the Country's youth depended largely on earnings from their daily labour, a situation that has been made impossible by the current stay-at-home order by the Federal Government.

The Coalition notes, with dismay, the unavailability of any palliatives to cushion the effect of the lockdown, and regrets that the situation could pose a serious challenge to national stability.

The Youth Body noted that the primary obligation of the government was the protection of lives and property as well as ensuring an improved economic wellbeing of the people.

In the light of this, the Coalition called on governors of the North Central zone to establish world-class isolation/treatment centres and invest robustly on stimulus packages/palliatives through the provision of foodstuff, household items and cash transfers to vulnerable members of the society.

The Coalition further requested the inclusion of its leadership in Relief Committees in order to promote transparency and inclusiveness. It further implored that donations to be made should be devoid of all political and primordial sentiments, while canvassing for adequate measures that would forestall likelihood of embezzlement.

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