The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, has appealed to the youth to reject protests and embrace peaceful coexistence as well as dialogue to find solution to any contending issue.
Oshinowo spoke on Monday, 29 July, 2024 at a stakeholders’ meeting with residents of the council area.
The Chairman praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts at addressing the country’s challenges, saying, “ye’s actually rebuilding and giving us a new foundation that will give us a better Nigeria.”
Oshinowo highlighted the LCDA’s empowerment initiatives, which include: financial support for women, the elderly, and youth, as well as food distribution programs.
He also announced upcoming projects, such as mini stadiums, educational centers, and ICT hubs, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Agboyi-Ketu residents.
The Agboyi-Ketu LCDA boss emphasized the importance of supporting one another in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, saying, “we’re not saying that it’s not their fundamental human rights, we are appealing to our people… they categorically said NO to protest in Agboyi-Ketu, because they don’t want to hurt their neighbors.”
Oshinowo’s appeal comes as the country faces growing concerns over protests and violence. The Agboyi-Ketu LCDA has committed to prioritizing dialogue and community engagement, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for its residents.
The Police Area Commander kicked off the meeting by advising the youth of Agboyi-Ketu to shun cultism and vandalism. He emphasized that anyone who breaks the law will face punishment, and encouraged constructive dialogue instead of protests. “We want to ensure peace and stability in our community,” he said. “We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness.”
The PCRC (Police Community Relations Committee) also urged the youth to resist protests and violence, promoting civil engagement instead. “We want our youth to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, not resort to violence,” said a PCRC representative.
The traditional ruler of Agboyi, Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Monsuru Ladega, pleaded with the youth not to engage in unlawful protests and riots. He emphasized the current administration’s efforts towards sustainable development in Lagos State and Nigeria at large. “We are working tirelessly to ensure a better future for all,” he said. “I beg of you, do not allow anyone to use you for their selfish purposes.”
Other leaders, including Oba Alaketu and Oba Balogun Oyero, echoed similar sentiments. They called on the youth to embrace peaceful means of resolving conflicts and to work towards the development of the community.
A resident, Mr. Kola expressed concerns about inflation and price gouging in the area. “We are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “I appeal to traders to be fair with their prices, so we can afford the basic necessities.”
Representatives from National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) also spoke out against protests and violence. The NURTW representative announced that their Chairman, Alhaji Sego, has summoned all members of the local branches and units to dissuade themselves from the intended protest. “We are not in support of the protest,” he said. The NUT representative encouraged parents to keep scolding their children when they are at home with them, emphasizing the importance of discipline and education.
Iya Oloja General of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA appreciated Mayor Dele’s special intervention towards the market women in Agboyi-Ketu and advised every market woman to shun protest and tell their children to also shun protest and vandalism.
