Youths in Lagos State have decided to engage the government in what they termed as ‘constructive dialogue’ rather than go to the streets to protest, reports thegazellenews.com
The youths, speaking under the aegis of the state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), stated further that the state has been in the forefront of making life better for the youths hence no need to protest but rather engage the government in dialogue “in diplomatic exercise of fundamental human rights to press home our demands for desired actions”.
The youths spoke at the weekend during a press conference addressed by the NYCN President in the state, Engineer Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan. The media parley took place at Ikeja Youth Centre, Oluwaleimu Street, Ikeja.
“As a structured organisation charged with the responsibility of policy formulation and addressing 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,” the group said.
According to the NYCN, Lagos is currently governed by “the most youth-friendly Governor in 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”.
According to the group, “having had first-hand experience of previous protests especially the better-forgotten EndSARS that led to avoidable deaths and loss of properties as well as the current undesirable situations in Kenya and Bangladesh owing to protests, we unequivocally declare that we are against faceless protests because such protests often end up being counterproductive. We distance ourselves from them and urge the organisers to rethink and embrace dialogue”.
The group lauded the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for putting in place all inclusive governance which has embrace a lot of youths. It noted that apart from the appointment of the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and other youths in key positions, young people are not left behind in the implementation of the key agenda and programmes of the Governor.
