The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone, has warmly commended the recent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
In a press statement released on Sunday, the President General, COSEYL, Goodluck Ibem, said the decision marks a significant and positive turning point for the people of the South East.
Ibem also applauded the leadership of IPOB for listening to the people and choosing the path of peace and progress.
The statement read, “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. 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 examinations 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.”
The group added that the “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.
“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,” it stated
They, however, called 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.
“We thank all who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for peace. Let us all seize this opportunity to rebuild, reinvest, and restore the glory of our homeland,” the statement concluded.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has ordered the total cancellation of sit-at-home in the South-East on February 9, 2026.
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