The Ogun Youth Assembly (OYA) on Friday called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately convene a series of public engagements with the youth across all the Senatorial districts of the state following the looming nationwide protest over economic crisis and hardship in Nigeria.
The Chairman of OYA, Barrister Habeeb Whyte made the demand at a press conference held in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Whyte said the group had held
an engagement with the Governor Abiodun, on Tuesday, following the growing tension over the planned protest.
He said the body appreciated Abiodun’s willingness to engage further and encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions.
According to him, the dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.
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PRESS STATEMENT BY THE OGUN YOUTH ASSEMBLY (OYA) ON THE STATE OF THE NATION
DATE: JULY 26, 2024
PROTOCOLS
The Ogun Youth Assembly (OYA), representing the teeming young people who form over 70% of Ogun State’s population, deem it imperative to address the nation at this critical and crucial juncture. Nigerian youths, driven by widespread hunger, hardship, and abject poverty, are rightfully expressing their frustrations and calling for protest.
Currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised 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 lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy.
We recognise 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 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, that the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are clearly communicated.
We emphasised 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.
Concurrently, we are using this medium to extend an open invitation to other youth groups and individuals interested in participating in this initiative to reach out to the Ogun Youth Assembly through our ___ ___ ___. Together, we aim to drive our state forward through youth participation, enterprise, creativity, innovation, and advocacy.
God bless Nigeria!
God bless Ogun State!
Pelican Valley
