Youth leaders from across the 17 Southern states of Nigeria, under the aegis of the Supreme Council of Southern Nigerian Youths Leaders, have called on the Federal Government to immediately and unconditionally release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

They also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish a Special National Ethnic Communities Peace and Development Commission to address the grievances of various ethnic groups in the country and foster national unity.

The group made the demands during their three-day Inaugural Strategic Meeting held in Onitsha, Anambra State, aimed at building synergy among youth leaders from the South.

Addressing journalists at the meeting, President of the Supreme Council, Mr. Arthur Obiora, flanked by representatives from all 17 Southern states, said their gathering marked a turning point in youth engagement across Southern Nigeria.

He emphasized that the release of Kanu is critical to ensuring distributive justice and restoring confidence in the Nigerian state.

“While we call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we also urge the Federal Government to urgently address the growing insecurity across Southern Nigeria and establish the proposed Ethnic Communities Peace and Development Commission. Enough is enough—we will no longer tolerate the worsening insecurity in our region,” Obiora stated.

The Council also pledged to promote unity among Southern youths, noting that political, religious, and ethnic divisions have historically hindered the region’s progress.

“Our strength lies in our unity. Unless we overcome internal divides, we cannot push for meaningful regional development,” the group declared.

They noted that Southern youths make up over 60% of the region’s population and represent more than 70% of its workforce, yet continue to be marginalized in decision-making processes. They called on the Tinubu administration to ensure youth inclusion in governance and national development frameworks.

The group further committed to supporting the current Federal Government, stating that their backing is based on constitutional principles and a desire for a more inclusive Nigeria.

“We are ready to partner with political leaders in Southern Nigeria to drive regional cohesion and economic transformation,” the statement added.

The youth leaders concluded by encouraging all youth-based organizations across the South to collaborate with the Supreme Council in creating a united and assertive voice for the region.