Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to Nigerian youths to engage constructively with the government to find lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than resorting to protests that could cause more harm.
Abiodun made the appeal when he met with a coalition of youth organizations in the state, recalling the destruction caused by the EndSARS protests in 2020. He said: “and yet again, there are calls for mass protests across the country, and the first thing that agitates one’s mind is, is that the way to present our case to the government?… There is a Yoruba proverb that says ‘beheading is not the solution for an headache’. If there are issues, let us discuss them, let us find a way around them, let us manage and correct them.”
Abiodun acknowledged the maturity displayed by Ogun State youths during the EndSARS protests, saying: “I want to remind you that there was EndSARS, when there were protests in different parts of the country… but you, the youths of Ogun State said though we are angry and dissatisfied with the ways things are, we are not criminals, we are not looters, we will not participate in the protest, to that I say a big thank you.”
He emphasized the need for youths to bring their vibrancy and ingenuity to solve Nigeria’s problems, saying: “You have no other country than this Nigeria… Let me assure you that I have travelled far and wide. I am sure, like many of you, there is no country in the world where you can walk like your own, that country is Nigeria.”
Abiodun also spoke on the recent attacks on his person and administration, saying: “I normally don’t get disturbed by such things because one of my mentors in politics told me that in politics, you must make sure that you are mentioned either for the right or wrong reasons, but be continuously mentioned because if you are not mentioned, you are just part of the crowd.”
He highlighted his administration’s achievements in health, education, infrastructure, and security, saying: “Our Internally Generated Revenue was around N50 billion a year before. But in four years, we have grown it to almost N200 billion, and someone says Dapo Abiodun is just sitting in Ogun State and doing nothing. That has to be a joke.”
Abiodun announced plans to appoint a Commissioner for Youth Development, saying: “I believe that it took us a bit of time to formalize the creation of that ministry… I want to promise you that you will get a Commissioner and that Commissioner will be one who will be able to relate with you and also articulate the needs of your generation to the cabinet.”
