Over 60,000 youths, represented by the Arewa Integrity Group for Good Governance in the North Central region, have decided not to participate in the planned nationwide protest on August 1.

The Federal Government held several meetings with youth groups, urging them to postpone the protests to give President Bola Tinubu’s administration time to implement people-oriented programs.

In a statement released in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, the group's leader, Joseph Maiwada, explained their decision to withdraw from the protest on Friday. He emphasized their desire to allow the government to address citizens' needs and maintain peace in the region and the country.

Maiwada also cited appeals from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who is from the North Central region, as another reason for their decision.

“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation has appealed to notable youth groups and some pressure groups around the North Central zone of the country, and he has reassured us of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of the citizens,” the statement read.

Maiwada affirmed their willingness to appease their members, highlighting that the SGF has consistently supported their cause. “We have mobilized over 60,000 members of the group to withdraw from the protest to ensure that we all continue to live in peace and unity in the country,” he stated.

He advised other protest organizers to reconsider their plans, noting the detrimental effects of past protests on citizens and their livelihoods. Instead of protesting, Maiwada urged youths to support the federal government's efforts to tackle the country's socio-economic challenges.