The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has denied claims that a National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, is facing disciplinary action for criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on social media.
During an interview on Channels TV on Monday night, Olawande dismissed allegations 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 asked, refuting reports of disciplinary measures.
He explained that while the NYSC operates under structured regulations, any concerns raised about Uguamaye’s comments likely came from a local official rather than the scheme’s headquarters.
“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.
Beyond the controversy, Olawande admitted that many Nigerian youths are dissatisfied with the country’s economic and political situation.
“As a youth minister, is your principal aware that a lot of Nigerian youths are frustrated?” the interviewer asked.
Responding, the minister acknowledged the challenges but assured that the government was working to address 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 said.
Olawande also defended the government’s student loan initiative, describing it as a step towards providing 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 stated.
Regarding concerns that the government is suppressing dissent, the minister dismissed such claims and 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 Olawande’s reassurances, online discussions continue to intensify, with many Nigerian youths participating in the trending #RantChallenge
