Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
Youths in Ikorodu and major stakeholders in the state, have reiterated the need for peaceful co – existence and dialogue instead of embarking on any act that may cause violence or threatened the polity,
This was the resolution at the parley organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikorodu Local Government branch, with the theme, ‘Strategic Engagement with Ikorodu Youths: From Protest To Proposal: Developing Solutions – Oriented Mindsets’.
The interactive session, which was held on the eve of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest, at the Youth Centre, Ita – Elewa, Ikorodu, featured major stakeholders like Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Social Developments and Mayor Muhydeen Sanwoola , the Special Assistant to the Governor on Lagos State Park Authority, both of whom joined the session virtually.
The immediate past Chairman, NYCN, Lagos State, Comrade Lekan Biliamin – Oba, Comrade Asoro Abubakri, Vice Chairman, NYCN Lagos East Senatorial District, Prince Soyiga Samuel Adeshina, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament among other notable youth stakeholders, were on ground to discuss the theme.
Mr Ogunlende, in his submission, dissuaded the youths from engaging in any form of protest, especially in Lagos State.
He was of the view that the youths should engage in dialogue rather than going out on the streets to protest.
In his own contribution, Mayor Sanwoola expressed his concern about the ignorance of a lot of youths concerning the ongoing protest plans.
He warned against the propagators of the planned protest, majority of whom he said are faceless, and has no other agenda except to criticize Tinubu led government.
Sanwoola enjoined the youths to be responsible for their choices: whether to protest or not, and charged that they should not allow themselves to be used.
Comrade Biliamin Oba called for full supports for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, in order to drive the desired change that Nigeria needs.
He charged against youths participation in the protest, and unequivocally canvassed for peaceful engagement and dialogue.
Also speaking from the United Kingdom, Hammed Olaniyi Ganiu advanced the concerns of common men who are not able to afford daily living due to the economic hardships in the country.
He spoke to the government and pleaded that Nigerians should focus on what is of general concern and refuse distraction from dubious individuals who hope to truncate the peaceful existence of the country.
Some other comments from the online community addressed the need for the government to take steps to address economic hardships which is the true cry of innocent and vulnerable Nigerians, while others are of the opinion that the uproar is beyond sentiment or partisanship. They argued that the economy is really tough and the government has to employ working means to address the economic hardships.
A section of the participants also called for participation in the protest which they said must be carried out to have the desired changes.
Whether the protest holds or not, Ikorodu youths and stakeholders agreed that there is need for vigilance and maintaining tranquility in Ikorodu and environs.
