Protest or Not? Oyo Youth Stakeholders Weigh In on Nationwide Demonstration

The Oyo State Agency for Youth Development recently held a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the proposed nationwide protest. The event took place at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It brought together various youth groups in the state, including student bodies, to voice their concerns about the country’s economic hardships, emphasizing that the protest is not politically motivated.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin underscored the importance of coordination, reminding the youth that it is their constitutional right as Nigerian citizens to protest societal issues.

Hon. Titilope Gbadamosi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), encouraged the youth to be more involved in governance and to adopt a clear, development-oriented mindset.

Hon. Adebowale Falana, the Chairman of the Agency for Youth Development and the convener of the meeting, expressed gratitude for the turnout and engagement of the youth, highlighting the significance of the gathering. He reassured the participants of their civic rights and urged them to clearly outline their demands. He emphasized that Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to listening to the people’s concerns, as evidenced by his track record. Falana also stressed the need for any protest to be peaceful and non-prolonged, if deemed necessary.

The meeting saw a range of responses from the youth. While some expressed grievances and called for protests, others, particularly some student bodies, stated unequivocally that they would not participate in any protest.

Key attendees at the meeting included:

• Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, Speaker of OYHA
• Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Wasilat Adegoke
• Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Hon. Titilope Gbadamosi
• Hon. Michael Ogunsina, Oyo State PDP Youth Leader and Acting PRO
• Hon. Seun Fakorede, Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Government for Youth and Sport
• Hon. Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant on Student Matters
• Hon. Adebowale Falana, Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development
• Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government
• Hon. Gabriel Babajide, OYHA Member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2
• Hon. Adebisi Yusuf
• Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas