Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has cautioned Nigerian youths against participating in protests which he describes as counterproductive and often hijacked by politicians with hidden agendas.
Speaking at the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of Babcock University in Ilishan, Ikenne Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun expressed concern that previous protests in the country had not resulted in constructive outcomes but rather caused disruptions in productivity and led to loss of lives and property.
“I seize this opportunity to appeal to our youths to constructively engage with the government in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than engaging in protests that may start peacefully but usually get hijacked and may lead to anarchy,” Governor Abiodun stated.
He defended his administration’s decisions, such as the removal of subsidies and the floating of the Naira, as necessary steps to address Nigeria’s economic challenges amidst global inflation.
“This government has only been in office for one year. Cutting the head is not the solution to a headache,” he emphasized. “Inflation is worldwide. Our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had very few choices when he assumed office. He had to take the bull by the horns; he had to remove the subsidy. He had to float the Naira. Otherwise, it would have been worse, trust me.”
Acknowledging the widespread economic difficulties including inflation, Governor Abiodun highlighted various interventions his administration has implemented to mitigate the impact on citizens, such as minimum wage adjustments, empowerment initiatives, and subsidies on essential goods.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this administration has initiated a lot of interventions to cushion the effect of the inflation. Recently, we’ve heard the announcement of the minimum wage. We’ve had a lot of empowerment. Student loans are being put in place. Agric and fertilizer inputs are being given to our farmers. They have provided Food items as palliatives and subsidised prices, amongst others,” he outlined.
He cautioned against allowing protests to destabilize the country, stressing that the current wave of inflation affects nations globally.
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“Which investor will be attracted to a nation that is under siege by protesters? Please, do not allow yourselves to be used by a so-called leaderless movement, sponsored by frustrated politicians who tried in the past and lost. We do not need protests. We must not gamble with our anarchy. Please Let us dialogue,” Governor Abiodun urged.
Addressing the graduating class, the president of the students emphasized the importance of accountability among elected officials and urged fellow graduates to actively engage in nation-building.
“I want to charge us, The only way we can patch this country again is to be our brother’s keeper. There is no point in you acquiring wealth and stashing them outside the country when your fellow Nigerians are suffering,” he said passionately.
He called on Nigerians to hold their governors and local leaders accountable. “We must please query our governors, query our chairmen, we must ask questions. We voted for them, they are responsible to us and please don’t stand on the sideline, be a true Nigerian.”
“In electing someone to serve you, remember, that person is not your leader, but your servant. To make this country great, I plead with us, touch lives,” he concluded.
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