The Lagos State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has kicked against the planned protest in the state and nationwide, urging the organisers to seek diplomatic means to press home their demands.
The youth body made its stance known during a press conference held on Saturday, at Ikeja Youth House, Lagos.
At the event that was attended by executives of the youth body, some coordinators of the 57 local branches and leaders of 54 affiliated organisations among other stakeholders, the state chairman, Engr Adigun Ibrahim, MNSE, acknowledged the unintended hardship in the country but announced it has only underscored the need for proper engagement with government and not confrontation of any kind.
He called on the organisers of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to come up between Thursday 1st August to Saturday, 15th August 2024 to shelve the idea and embrace dialogue with the government.
“This noble organisation; the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter acknowledges the profound frustration and anger stemming from the unintended hardship occasioned by the economic policies of the federal government.
“We recognize the urgent need for action and change. We agree to the fact that as a nation abundantly blessed with enviable human and natural resources by God, living sustainably should not be a pipe dream for the vast majority,” Adigun declared.
Speaking further the engineer cum youth leader said, “As a structured organization, charged with the responsibility of policy formulation and to address issues surrounding youths and their continued well-being; we acknowledge the legitimate concerns raised within our community and the significance of providing a platform for peaceful and constructive dialogue.
“However, in this challenging time, it is important that we come together with a shared vision of unity and clear understanding. We strongly believe in the power of constructive dialogue and diplomatic exercise of fundamental human rights to press home our fair demands for desired actions.”
He observed that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has shown exemplary leadership by walking the talk on his promise of inclusivity and developmental initiative describing him as a listening governor who is ever ready to dialogue.
“Lagos, the Center of Excellence, currently governed by the most youth-friendly governor in the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not deserve any civil unrest that could disrupt or slow down the pace of the all-round development being experienced across all sectors. Way before now and to date, Lagos stands out as a model state for others with far-reaching developmental policies that are making life more meaningful for all and sundry with the youth inclusive.
“Having had a firsthand experience of previous protests especially the chaotic and disruptive 2020 EndSARS that led to avoidable deaths and loss of properties as well as the current undesirable situation of Kenya and Bangladesh owing to protest we unequivocally declare that we are against the planned nationwide Hunger protest. A faceless protest often ends counterproductively hence we distance ourselves from it and call on the faceless organisers to rethink and embrace dialogue.
“We have keenly observed that development can only come by with constructive criticism and dialogue, not by violent protest or any extremist act.
Adigun disclosed that the youth body has set machinery in place for proper dialogue with the government to address the youths’ demands as he reiterated his appeal to the protesters to sheath their swords.
He added that Lagos NYCN will keep working closely with the government and other critical stakeholders to organise and facilitate more human capital development programs for youths across the state.
“As the foremost Youth Organization, in assurance of stemming down the unintended adverse effect of the economic situation, we have severally engaged various youth structures, bodies, and stakeholders in ensuring we show our perseverance and leadership spirit.
“Across all the 57 local governments and LCDAs, we organized skill acquisition training for over 3000 youths. We recently engaged the PRO of conference 57 whom we discussed issues affecting the youth populace. These and many more have been carried out to ensure that the youths are heard and taken more seriously.
“However, our unwavering focus remains on creating auspicious occasions where every voice is heard, every perspective is respected, and every individual is valued. It is time for broad measures and genuine commitment from all parties involved. Governments across all levels must pay better attention to the cries of the citizens and work hand-in-hand with organizations to engender confidence.
“Moving Forward, in addendum to our programs and projects to stem down the economic effect and hasten our economic balance, we at the level of the National Youth Council, Lagos have set up a committee to further engage authorities across the 57 Local Governments and LCDAs in Lagos to present the demands of the Youths for a better governance. We are also going to ensure all ministries, MDAs, and Agencies that have a reflection of youth-oriented projects and activities stem down our dividends as youths to the grassroots and those who deserve it.
“We are working on data collation of Youths in Lagos and ensuring we categorize everyone to know what opportunity and engagement is best appropriate for every one of us. We hereby call on every youth especially those not affiliated with the youth council to collaborate with us on our quest to champion dialogue with the government for mutual benefits.
“To further showcase our strength, capacity, significance, magnanimity, artistry, publicity, productivity, and professionalism, we urge everyone to attend our forthcoming public demonstration tagged International Youth Week.
“As we navigate through this critical juncture we urge all stakeholders to approach this moment with a spirit of cooperation and goodwill. Let us embrace diversity of thoughts and opinion as catalysts for progress and let us remember that our collective strength lies in our ability to work together towards a common goal.”
