A group of notable leaders in Oyo State has urged the state’s youth to reconsider their planned protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is set for August 1-10.
On Wednesday, the leaders, all former federal lawmakers, met with youth leaders from the All Progressives Congress, student leaders, and other key stakeholders at the party’s permanent secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
The leaders included Kolawole Raji, Muraina Ajibola, Dapo Lam Adesina, Sunday Adepoju, and Segun Odebunmi.
According to them, the meeting’s purpose was to educate APC members about the potential negative consequences of the planned protest and to debate the situation of the nation.
Raji, who briefed journalists following the meeting, emphasised the hazards of the planned demonstration while also highlighting Tinubu’s government’s substantial successes.
He mentioned Local Government autonomy, which allows LGs to handle funds autonomously while improving governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.
Raji also mentioned the administration’s implementation of a comprehensive interest-free student loan plan, as well as a focus on infrastructure development with significant projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project, the Badagry-Sokoto Motorway, and numerous other road projects across the country.
He stated that substantial national rail network repair would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and generate numerous job opportunities for children.
“To address the rising cost of living and improve the standard of living for Nigerian workers, the Tinubu administration raised the national minimum wage to N70,000. This increase aims to boost workers’ purchasing power and foster a more equitable distribution of wealth.
“Initiatives such as the Youth Farm Initiative and the Agricultural Enhancement Programme have empowered young farmers with training, funding, and resources, contributing to the nation’s agricultural transformation and food security, among others,” he told journalists.
Raji stated that Tinubu faced major issues upon taking office, but was determined to addressing them systematically.
“We are very sensitive to the people and are aware that things are difficult at the moment, but we ask our people to give the president more time to get Nigeria back in shape. These things we complain about did not happen all at once; rather, they occurred gradually. “We are confident that Nigeria will be great under President Bola Tinubu,” Raji remarked.
The leaders urge the youth to acknowledge the current administration’s successes and genuine attempts to enhance the lives of all Nigerians.
They urge grievances and ideas to be reported through appropriate means, promising people that their opinions will be heard and addressed.