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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has commended the cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, describing the development as a major turning point for the region’s economic recovery, educational stability and social progress.
In a statement by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, the group said the decision by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to end the long-running directive was a welcome relief to residents and a signal that the region was ready to move forward. COSEYL, which described itself as the apex sociopolitical youth body in the South-East, said the sit-at-home had, for years, disrupted normal life and stifled productivity across Igboland.
“For too long, the enforced sit-at-home every Monday has crippled the economic, educational and social life of our region. This cancellation is not merely a change in routine; it is a vital step towards ending the economic sabotage that has plagued Igboland. Our markets, businesses and industries can now operate freely every day of the week, unlocking the immense productive potential of our hardworking people. We anticipate an immediate boost in productivity, commerce and livelihoods,” Ibem said.
He noted that the development would particularly benefit school children and students whose academic activities were frequently disrupted by the weekly lockdown.
“Crucially, this development comes as a major relief to our children and students. With schools now assured of uninterrupted learning on Mondays, our young ones can focus on their education without fear of disruption. As the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams approach, this decision ensures that our students will have the full time and safe environment needed to prepare, attend and excel. Their future is brighter today than it was yesterday,” he stated.
The youth body also expressed optimism that the end of the sit-at-home would restore investor confidence in the region and project the South-East as open for business.
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“COSEYL believes this courageous decision will send a powerful signal to the national and international community that the South-East is open and ready for business. We expect that the restoration of normalcy and the clear commitment to peaceful economic activity will rebuild confidence and attract much-needed investors to our region.
The ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of our people can now flourish without the shadow of enforced lockdowns,” Ibem added.
He further expressed hope that incidents of violence and destruction of property previously associated with enforcement of the sit-at-home would become a thing of the past.
“We are also confident that with the cancellation of the sit-at-home, the wanton destruction of public and private properties, which often accompanied the unrest, will now become a thing of the past. This paves the way for sustained peace and security, allowing our communities to heal and thrive,” he said.
COSEYL called on Igbo youths, market associations, transport unions and community leaders to take ownership of the moment by ensuring that peace was maintained across the region.
“We call on all residents, youth groups, market associations, transport unions and community leaders to embrace this new dawn and work collectively to safeguard the peace. We urge our people to return to their normal activities on Mondays with optimism and vigour, demonstrating to the world that the South-East is resilient and forward-looking,” the statement read.
