Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by confused movements sponsored by frustrated politicians who do not mean well for the nation.
Governor Abiodun also said that there was no need for the planned nationwide protest, coming up in August as there was room for youths to engage and dialogue with the government constructively.
The governor, who spoke on Sunday at the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of Babcock University, Ilishan, Ikenne Local Government Area, for the award of Degrees, Prizes and conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees, noted that the country has not gained anything meaningful from past protests.
“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 democracy. Let us dialogue.
“This current wave of inflation is biting everywhere. It is in the UK, US, Ghana, and Egypt. So, it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.
“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 protest that may start peacefully but usually get high jacked and may lead to anarchy.
“What have we ever gained from protests, except losses in productivity? Loss of lives, loss of private and government properties, looting and vandalisation of assets,” he said.
Governor Abiodun added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had to take bold and decisive steps to put the economy back on track, adding that the government has been in office for just one year.
“This government has only been in office for one year. Cutting off the head is not the solution to a headache.
“Inflation is worldwide. Our president, President Bola Tinubu, had very few choices when he came into office. He had to take the bull by the horn; he had to remove the oil subsidy. He had to float the Naira. Otherwise, it would have been worse, trust me.
“This administration has initiated a lot of interventions to cushion the effect of inflation. Recently, we’ve had the introduction of minimum wage. We’ve had a lot of empowerment. Student loans are in place. Agric and fertilizer input are being given to our farmers. Food palliatives have also been provided, amongst others,” he added.
Governor Abiodun described Babcock University as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, noting that the institution alongside others in the state is the reason behind the Gateway State being regarded as the education capital of the country.
He noted that the institution is renowned for its commitment to research, innovation and community service, producing graduates that are intellectually equipped, morally and spiritually empowered to make impacts in the country, urging the graduates to be good ambassadors of their alma- mater.
Governor Abiodun, while noting that the state under his watch would continue to prioritize education, promised that his administration would also continue to encourage genuine participation to provide quality, affordable education to the teeming youths in the state.
While congratulating the 2,842 graduates of the institution, Governor Abiodun charged them to continue to chase their dreams and never stop to learn and continue to believe in their abilities.
Earlier in his remarks, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, expressed his happiness at the honour extended to Chief Wole Olanipekun, saying that the awardee is one of the best from Ekiti State.
The highlight of the event was the award of N2.5 million to the best graduating student, Ifoghale Elomezino Oghenemairo, from the Department of History and International Relations with a CGPA of 4.89.
