Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that a protest in commemoration of last year’s #EndSARS demonstration is unnecessary.
Acknowledging that youths have reasons to demand for better life and future, Sanwo-Olu admonished them to embrace dialogue and reconciliation instead of resorting to violent attacks.
These statements were made by Babajide Sanwo-Olu while speaking at a peace conference in Lagos with the theme: Rebuilding for Greatness: ‘Peace Conflict Resolution’.
Sanwo-Olu, dressed in Boys Scouts’ green shirt and light-brown pants, with yellow tie to match, said “the moment for true reconciliation has begun.”
He said Lagos was now set for a total healing after last year’s coordinated attacks on its assets, which also resulted in loss of lives and livelihoods.
Sanwo-Olu stressed: “Today is a day of reconciliation and it is about our teeming youths. This is the moment to create a common ground and take ownership of our future. We have indeed assessed what we have passed through as a people; it’s now the moment to come together and build our lives together.
“This event is about aggregating all the conversations of the millions of youths that have been represented here. All of us have agreed that, when we work together, we can build a resilient society we will truly be proud of. We will continue to build, engage and work with our young people. I certainly will not give up on you as partners in progress and your ability to bring about positive changes.”
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the need for inter-generational dialogue to proactively address issues that may lead to conflict, assuring the participants of his administration’s readiness to champion causes that would be beneficial to young people.
The governor said the youth must not only be granted a stakeholder status in the state’s project, but also be given prime seats in decisions making arena. He said his administration had shown example by appointing scores of young people under 40 years into the State Executive Council, and as political aides and administrators of Government’s agencies.
Sanwo-Olu also promised to increase the State’s investment in human capital development and equip the youths with requisite 21st century skills that would empower them economically.
He said: “I thank all the youths who participated in this forum for the valuable suggestions offered and the ideas shared. I’m taking full responsibility and ownership of all the feedback recommended here. All the points have been taken and I will continue to rely on them in the course of governance.”
Sanwo-Olu highlighted some programmes specifically targetted at youths. He said: “Some of these programmes, which were initiated as part of our efforts to address issues bothering on youth development and empowerment, include remodeling, development and equipping of four youth centres – Abesan, Lafiaji, Ikorodu and Omituntun.
“On October 27, we will be holding the first of its kind Lagos Police Youth Dialogue session where our youths and policemen will deliberate on how to strengthen their relationship and create a synergy that will improve interaction and security in the state.’’