Lagos youths kick against planned protest

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Youths from across the five divisions of Lagos, under the aegis of Lagos Indigenous Youth Network, on Sunday voiced their strong opposition to planned nationwide protests by some aggrieved people, declaring that they were not in support of the exercise, which they noted the Intelligence gathered so far revealed it was politically motivated and not in the interest of the peace-loving and hardworking Lagosians.

It would be recalled that some aggrieved people had scheduled to hold a nationwide protests from August 1-10, 2024, over the hardship currently pervading the country.

Leader of the group, Mobolaji Ogunlende, alongside others, including Lekan Biliamin Adebowale, Prince Temitope Oshoja, Mosajo Kehinde, gave this stand at a press conference which took place Beside MKO Abiola Garden, Nurudeen Olowopopo Road, Alausa, Ikeja, even as they affirmed that they were not against the citizens constructively engaging their leaders when it’s crucial to do so.

However, they noted that it was time to call for caution the moment such engagement becomes a platform for tension and warmongering sponsored to settle political scores, adding: “This is what we are doing today.”

Addressing newsmen at the event, Ogunlende, in his speech titled: “Lagos Indigenous Youth Network rejects moves to destroy Lagos under protest guise,” said the youths, who are indigenes drawn from across the state, came “together to Defend #OurLagos against any possible destruction by agents of violence masquerading as lovers of the people,” who he pointed out were motivated only by “their selfish interest.”

Ogunlende, who sadly recalled the #EndSARS episode, which witnessed numerous facilities, built with taxpayers’ money burnt down and yet to be rebuilt with the same, urged all Lagosians, especially parents, to caution their children against joining the protest, adding that it was not a wise thing to participate in.

“We stand before you today to reflect on our progress as a state and express concern over the planned protest in Lagos State. While we acknowledge the fundamental right to protest, we believe it must be constructive and in the best interest of the people.

“We are not against the citizens constructively engaging their Leaders when it’s crucial but the moment when such engagement becomes a platform for tension and warmongering sponsored for political scores, then it is time to call for caution. This is what we are doing today.

“The Intelligence gathered so far reveals that the protest is politically motivated and not in the interest of Lagosians, who are peace-loving and hardworking. We do not support it. We say NO to any protest in whatever guise or disguise,” he said.

“We are coming together to Defend #OurLagos against any Possible destruction by agents of violence masquerading as lovers of the people. They have only one interest- their selfish interest.

“We urge all Lagosians, especially parents, to caution their children against joining the protest. It is not a wise thing to do.

“Remember, the numerous facilities burnt down in 2020 were built with taxpayers’ money; they are yet to be rebuilt with the same. This resources can be channeled into other productive Initiatives,” he added.

Speaking further, Ogunlende listed the several achievements made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying that Lagos State government currently pays above the N70,000 “minimum wage and this can be verified,” with the state’s hospitality being second to none as, according to him, it does not discriminate between indigenes and non-indigenes.

Besides, he said Lagos provides free healthcare to expectant women, provides subsidized education to all residents, regardless of ethnic background, built Red Line and Blue Line rail projects that had changed the face of transportation for ever, installed independent power projects, developed its own port and the Lekki Free Trade Zone, built many roads, bridges and flyovers, among others.

Ogunlende maintained that Sanwo-Olu administration is one that prioritizes the affairs of the youth beyond rhetorics by adding Plus to the Lagos State THEMES Agenda, which creates a special attention for the youth.

“This is a government that has strategic plans to provide employment for the youth through the rail lines, Lagride, grant to business owners through Ministry of Wealth creation, LSTEF, Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Civic Engagement.

“This is a government that prioritizes the affairs of the youth beyond rhetorics by adding Plus to the Lagos State THEMES Agenda, which creates a special attention for the youth.

“This is a government that deserves our support to do more rather than falling victim of lies from naysayers.

“The government knows there’s so much work to be done, and it is doing extra work to tick all the boxes.

“We must work together as Lagosians – that is our Spirit,” he stated.

Ogunlende, while throwing the group’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing the hope that he would address all the grievances and ensure that all is well in Nigeria, pleaded with those sponsoring the protest to have a rethink.

He insisted that Lagos was working and, therefore, the resolve of the group led by him to “stand for Our Lagos and our hardworking Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”

“We will not allow another war on Lagos. Never! This is our Heritage. Lagos will remain a home for us all,” he vowed.

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