By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
THE LAGOS State Government has affirmed the right of citizens to protest ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations in August.
In a similar vein, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerian youths to engage constructively with the government to find lasting solutions to the nation’s problems.
He made this appeal during a meeting with youth organizations at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta.
In Lagos, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government, made it clear during a meeting with Secretaries to Local Governments on Tuesday.
She stressed that while protests are a legitimate right, they must not become violent or destructive.
Salu-Hundeyin emphasized that there is no reason for protests in Lagos, citing the state’s significant contributions to its residents.
She stated, “Lagos State has done so much for its citizens that nobody should feel the need to cause unrest.”
Governor Abiodun recalled the destruction caused by the EndSARS protests in 2020.
He stressed that protests often worsen issues without solving them.
He asked, “Is advertising and planning mass protests the way to constructively engage with the government?”
Abiodun urged youths to use their energy and skills to address Nigeria’s challenges.
He praised Ogun State youths for their maturity during the EndSARS protests, noting they refrained from the violence seen elsewhere.
“You, the youths of Ogun State, said though we are angry and dissatisfied, we are not criminals, we are not looters,” Abiodun remarked.
The governor discussed his administration’s focus on infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, job creation, and agriculture.
He highlighted significant improvements in health, education, and security under his leadership.
The governor also addressed recent social media attacks on his administration, stating that he remains undeterred by the criticism.
He revealed that Ogun State’s internally generated revenue has grown substantially, from around N50 billion annually to nearly N200 billion in four years.
New Ministries for Sports & Youths Development
In response to calls for greater youth involvement, Abiodun announced the creation of separate ministries for Sports Development and Youth Development.
He assured that a young, dynamic commissioner would soon be appointed to lead the Ministry of Youth Development.
Youth representatives, including Motolani Oyediji and National Youth Council Chairman Kolawole Soremi, called for more youth inclusion in government and regular dialogue to prevent misunderstandings.
The governor further promised ongoing engagement and support for the state’s youth.
