In a bid to prevent a repeat of the devastating End SARS protests that rocked the nation in 2020 particularly in Oyo State, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Titi Gbadamosi, and other stakeholders have warned against any form of violence as calls for nationwide protest gather momentum.
Ogundoyin called on security agencies to identify potential hotspots, and secure protesters in Oyo State ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
Speaking at a Youth stakeholders’ meeting held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building Secretariat, Ibadan, on Monday, July 29, Ogundoyin emphasized the need for peaceful protests and urged security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order particularly in the State.
The strategic meeting which was put together by the office of Chairman, Oyo State Youth Agency, Prince Falana Adebowale was attended by other stakeholders including the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, Special Assistant to President Ahmed Tinubu on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring and Delivery; Titilola Gbadamosi, Executive SA to Governor Seyi Makinde on Youth and Sports among others
“It is no longer news that our country is facing numerous challenges, and the citizens have the right to express their grievances through peaceful protests.
“However, we must learn from the past and take proactive measures to prevent violence and ensure the safety of our citizens.
“As we face the prospect of another nationwide protest, we must ask ourselves: What did we learn from the past? How can we ensure that our actions lead to positive change without causing further harm? It is our responsibility to approach this situation with wisdom and foresight.
“Today, I call upon all stakeholders, government officials, community leaders, activists, and citizens to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful and constructive solutions to our
grievances. Let us harness the power of 3Cs – Consultation, Collaboration, and Compromise. We must build bridges of understanding and work together to address the issues that concern us all.
“There’s no doubt that protests have their place in a democratic society, but they must be conducted in a manner that respects the rule of law and the rights of others. Violent protests will only lead to destruction, chaos and further sufferings.”
The Speaker specifically asked security agencies to identify potential hotspots and secure protesters, saying “we cannot afford to lose any life or property during this protest”.
He also appealed to protesters to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any actions that could degenerate into violence.
“We understand the hardship in the land at the moment. However, we must protest in a peaceful and lawful manner. We must not allow our emotions to get the better of us, and we must not allow miscreants to hijack the protest.”
The Speaker assured that Oyo State Government would continue to do its best to make life bearable for residents of the State.
” In Oyo State, we are committed to creating platforms for dialogue and ensuring that every voice is heard. We will work tirelessly to address the concerns of our citizens and to implement policies that promote fairness and equity. But we cannot do it alone. We need your support, your ideas, and your dedication to the common good.
“Together, let us forge a path forward that is guided by wisdom, compassion, and a shared vision for a brighter future. ” Oyo Speaker said.
Earlier in her address, Ms Gbadamosi, has appealed to youths to shun the proposed nationwide protest in the interest of Nigerians. She made the appeal on Monday, while speaking at a town hall meeting organised by the Oyo State Agency for Youths Development held, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Stressing that President Tinubu felt the pains of Nigerians,Ms Gbadamosii urged the youths to be patient with the current administration while also stressing the need for people to shelve the protest and open responsible communication channel with government through ministry of youths and other youths agencies for a better Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, who said government is not stopping the protest enjoined youths to make the protest a peaceful one.
The Chairman, Oyo State Youth Agency for Youths Development, Prince Falana Adebowale, said the Forum was put together to discuss the peaceful protest and identify those that are coordinating the protest.
Different youth groups who attended the strategic stakeholders meeting in their various remarks, advocated price control mechanism, reduction in cost of governance, block financial leakages, youths involvement in agriculture, amongst others in order to reduce hardship being experienced by Nigerians.