Embrace dialogue, Ogun youth group tells hunger protest organisers

The Ogun Youth Assembly has declared the proposed national hunger protest scheduled for August 1 as faceless, lacking direction and a misplaced priority.

The youth group said that rather than embarking on any activity that could further make life difficult for Nigerians, the option of dialogue which is quite beneficial to all should be considered.

The Chairman of the youth group, Habeeb Whyte, disclosed this at a press briefing held on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Whyte said though it is within the fundamental rights of every citizen to protest, such energy should be channelled towards meaningful dialogue as progress and development are only guaranteed in a peaceful environment.

He said, “We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity.

” It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”

Whyte, flanked by other executives of the assembly, further said that though the country is going through its most difficult times, he noted that the recent local government autonomy posed a good trend for future hopes.

“Currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy.

“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.

“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.

“Going forward, we want to emphatically announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy”, he added.

He however challenged the state government to as a matter of urgency, convene dialogue with the youth constituency, adding that it is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that plans and stewardship are communicated.

“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and are encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.

“In light of this, we challenged the Ogun State Government to convene a series of public engagements with the youths across all Senatorial districts. This proposed engagement, which the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are communicated.

“We emphasised to him that this period demands more than temporary measures or palliative solutions. It is essential to implement a comprehensive, sustainable framework that empowers citizens and residents to secure honest, safer and better livelihoods.

“Government action must focus on significantly reducing the exorbitant cost of petroleum, enhancing electricity supply, and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. Additionally, increasing grant opportunities for small and medium enterprises and promoting meritocracy in all operations are crucial”, he stressed.