Protest: Ogun Youth Assembly Laments Hardship, Call For Immediate Action

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The Ogun Youth Assembly (OYA) has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of widespread hunger, hardship, and poverty on over 70% of Ogun youth.

The Chairman of Oya Barrister Habeeb Whyte disclosed this while addressing journalists at a press conference held in Abeokuta the State capital on Friday.

He emphasized the need for immediate action, citing the right to peaceful protest as a civic duty to address the country’s dire situation

Whyte stated that Nigerians should not be prevented from a peaceful protest if need be to address the current situation of the country.

The group has challenged the Ogun State Government to convene public engagements across senatorial districts, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to empower citizens and residents.

According to him “We have taken a step above protest, we have come out with engagement and the state Governor under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun has told us is meeting us very soon” and we will not be part of people that will be in the street for protest because our own has gone above protest because we have called for dialogue and we are ready for dialogue.”

“Currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterized 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 leth
argic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councilors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy.”

“We recognize 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.”

“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, on Tuesday, July 23rd, 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 plans and stewardship are communicated.”

“We emphasized 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.”

Corroborating, the group PRO, Olufemi Owoeye posited that every Nigerian has the right to engage in peaceful protest.

He added that Ogun Youths Assembly will not tell anyone to go on strike, but will also not accept infringement of fundamental human rights.

“Without missing words, we have to say categorically that every Nigerian has their right to engage in peaceful protest”

“We as Ogun Youths Assembly, will not in any way tell anyone not to go on protest if they deem it fit that’s the best way to address the current situation of the country, because saying otherwise, it’s just infringing them of fundamental human rights”

“So every Nigerian Youth that believes in protest has the right and we are not against it. But we also understand that even after the protest, we have to engage government at all levels via dialogue” Owoeye concluded.

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