The Oyo State Government, through the State Agency for Youth Development, held a stakeholders meeting with approximately 80 youth associations on Monday to discuss the planned protest.
The meeting aimed to ensure a peaceful and organized protest, with government officials emphasizing the need for identifiable leaders and a clear action plan.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed concerns that the protest could be hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives, citing the 2020 #EndSARS protest as a cautionary tale, according to Nigerian Tribune.
He assured that the government would work with protesters to prevent hijack and ensure their safety.
Representatives of various youth groups highlighted the reasons behind the protest, including hunger, hardship, corruption, and government’s failure to fulfill campaign promises. They urged security personnel to be civil and coordinated during the protest.
Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Titilope Gbadamosi, appealed for patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing efforts to address hardship and hunger.
She encouraged youths to access government initiatives, such as student loans and the Nigeria Youth Academy.
The Director General, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Mr Adebowale Falana, and the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, assured that the state government is working to ensure a peaceful protest.