STEPHEN OLUFEMI ONI 
...Call for dialogue, constructive engagements
Students, and members of the Kwara Progressive Media Organization (KPMO), among other youth associations in Kwara state, have appealed to youths in the state not to join in the nationwide protest, saying that protest is not the solution.
Rather, they called for dialogue and constructive engagements towards solving the country’s socio-economic problems.
Addressing journalists at a joint press conference in Ilorin on Tuesday, the groups led by the State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Issa Abdulgafar Arikewuyo, and Convener of the KPMO, Beki Mashood, appealed to every student and youth in the State not to tow the path of violent protest to show their anger, pain, and frustration.
The people, who said that they had carefully consulted with their members, added that they had decided to distance themselves from the proposed protest of rage and anger.
“We will not organise or participate in any protest, as we believe it is not the solution,” adding that they have decided to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue with stakeholders to build a better future for all.
“Our central belief is that Kwara is known for peace and harmony and we are committed to ensuring that our heritage remains intact,” they said.
“During the last protest, most of our parents suffered the aftermath of the protest, as their businesses were looted, and till now, most of them are unable to revive their businesses, which resulted in a lot of setbacks in their lives and we wouldn’t want such recurrence.
“Also, the protest affected a lot of students and youths, as their businesses, which they were using to survive crumbled as a result of the violence that occurred during that period. Not only that, their businesses were also looted, which made some of them drop out of school when they couldn’t afford their school fees payment anymore.
“Again, our economy suffered a setback as a result of the last protest that was orchestrated in the country due to the damages to public properties, as most of them were burnt and damaged, and we wouldn’t want such a recurrence. Private businesses were not left out, as most of our youths became jobless after the destruction of some private businesses.
“Peace is key to achieving economic growth and national development. We are also concerned that the prevailing atmosphere of tension and unrest as a result of the protest is not healthy for business and investments, and may scare investors away from the country. As citizens, we must be the chief promoters of our nation.”
Beki Mashood, who said that the youths understand and share the frustrations of Nigerian citizens regarding the current economic challenges, added that the desire for swift and effective solutions is valid.
“However, we urge everyone to consider the potential consequences of any protest that could escalate beyond control. The risk of further damage, both economically and socially, is too great.
“Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum, is fully aware of the economic pressures faced by the people of Kwara. Alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he is committed to implementing comprehensive and multidimensional strategies to address these issues.
“Efforts are being made to ensure a stable and prosperous economic environment for all. These measures require time, patience, and constructive dialogue to come to fruition.”
