Youths in the South East have been cautioned against sabotaging empowerment programmes aimed at promoting economic inclusion and development among young Nigerians.

The Director-General of the Tinubu Youth Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Innocent Shedrach Egede, gave the warning while reacting to the disruption of a youth empowerment rally organised by the City Boy Movement in Owerri, Imo State.

The empowerment programme was disrupted on Saturday when participants and some locals reportedly stormed the venue, triggering a stampede and the looting of items meant for distribution to youths across the South-East.

Egede, in a statement, described the disruption as unfortunate and unpatriotic, warning that such actions undermine genuine initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians.

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"It is disheartening that an event organised to uplift our youths and promote economic inclusion was sabotaged by acts of disorder. Such behaviour discourages developmental programmes and deprives many deserving youths of the opportunities intended for them," he said.

He also urged authorities and stakeholders to ensure that future empowerment programmes are conducted in a secure and orderly environment.

Egede also urged Nigerians to be patient and supportive of the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

He said Nigeria's ongoing reforms require collective patience and cooperation, stressing that the Tinubu administration's policies are targeted at stabilising the economy and ensuring sustainable growth for Nigerians.