The Enugu Innovative Youth group has announced its decision not to participate in any “destructive protests” despite Nigeria’s escalating hunger and economic hardship.

In a press conference held in Enugu on Friday, the group, which comprises members from all 17 local government areas of Enugu State, expressed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.

While acknowledging the country’s dire situation, including widespread hunger, financial struggles, and a high debt ratio, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Jude Aniagu, stressed that Enugu State is making significant progress under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

Although the group recognises the justification for the proposed Nationwide Hunger Protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, they urge their peers to reconsider participating in the protest, citing the positive developments and “breath of fresh air” in Enugu State.

“We are not oblivious to the possibility of the proposed Nationwide Hunger Protest being hijacked by perpetrators of evil and hoodlums. Hence, the youths in Enugu State must withdraw and distance themselves from the destruction of our common heritage.

“Enugu State is our own and one of the most peaceful and productive states of the federation. We cannot relapse into a state of anarchy and infrastructural deficit, which the nationwide protest will bring.

“Enugu youths must resist any attempt to destroy or deface the aesthetics, beauty, and ambience of Enugu under Gov. Mbah’s excellent and stellar performance in the state.”

The group stated that they did not want to lose the lives of Enugu youths in the protest, which they claimed hoodlums were planning to hijack to further their sinister motives of triggering attacks on peaceful youths of the state.

“While we call for calm among our youths in the state, we are also calling on the Federal Government and the State Government under Gov. Mbah to engage Enugu youths in dialogue on the best way to close the gap in unemployment ratio and poverty headcount index ratio in the state, especially among the youths.

“We are also aware that the Enugu State Government has plans for job creation for the youths through his proposal of strategic programmes and training in Information Technology and Entrepreneurship development.

“We must not lose our lives to this protest but must strive to be beneficiaries of this lofty vision.

“We are aware that any protest in Enugu will destroy our common heritage which Governor Mbah is assiduously working to revive through his massive infrastructural projects in our dear state, hence, a call for calm and peace,” the statement partly read.