In an effort to bring President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s attention to the suffering of Nigerians, hunger, and the rising cost of living in the nation, students from a variety of Lagos State postsecondary institutions on Tuesday disassociated themselves from the planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians, dubbed “#EndBadGovernanceinNigeria,” which is set to take place from August 1 to August 10.
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Under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Lagos, the students announced that instead of participating in the upcoming nationwide demonstration, they would conduct a “Solidarity Walk” on the specified dates to show their support for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which they claimed has provided them with a great deal of assistance.
Student leaders from all tertiary institutions in Lagos State announced to journalists during a press conference at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja, following a joint meeting that their solidarity walk would also take place from August 1 to August 10 to promote peace, particularly to make sure that the horrific #EndSARS incident of 2020 does not recur.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of students from various tertiary institutions in Lagos State, Comrade Lekan Alimi, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Lagos axis, called the planned nationwide protests against the alleged hardship in the nation “absolutely uncalled for.”
In the presence of Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, Comrade Miracle Yemoh, Chairman of the National Association of University Students (Lagos Chapter), Assistant General Secretary (South-West), Comrade Zainab Yakub, Chairman of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Comrade Titilayo Ekindayo, and Presidents of the Students Union of tertiary institutions in the State, Comrade Alimi stated that students would rather engage in constructive dialogue with governments in order to achieve their collective objectives than participate in the protest.
Although he acknowledged that the country’s difficult times would soon pass, Akoni urged Nigerians to endure a little longer in order to reap the benefits of democracy and President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “It is imperative that we remember the importance of stability, peace, and constructive dialogue in achieving our collective goals in these trying times,” he stated.
We firmly declare that, in light of these noteworthy contributions and the advancements we have observed, we do not endorse any protests against the Lagos government. We acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments that many people experience, but we equally need to acknowledge the progress and opportunities that have been made to lessen the impact on the country’s economy.
We hope that other states will be able to follow in the footsteps of the Lagos State Government.”We cannot afford to let harmful incidents from the past to recur, like the demonstrations against EndSARS. Protecting and maintaining Lagos’s wealth and tranquilly is our top concern. We strongly encourage all students to focus their energies on productive conversation and deeds, like working as volunteers for community development projects, taking part in student government initiatives, and attending extracurricular and academic events that support academic achievement.”We think that more advancements and answers to the problems we encounter will come about with time, patience, and ongoing cooperation with the government.
Let’s unite in purpose and unity and make sure that everything we do reflects our dedication to a brighter future for everybody. “We declare our decision to undertake a Solidarity Walk in support of the Lagos State Government as a statement of our support for the government and our commitment to peace and stability. We want to schedule this walk for August 1st through August 10th, 2024, to coincide with the dates that some unidentified people have suggested for a planned protest.
We refuse to allow the voices of division and devastation to overpower our message of harmony and advancement. “We would want to extend an invitation to all students, young organisations, and well-intentioned residents to participate in this walk in order to express our gratitude for the government’s efforts and our dedication to a better future for Lagos. When we work together, we can change things! Alimi stated that students were in favour of Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu’s administration and that they were prepared to defend Lagos from another #EndSARS scandal that was being suggested by certain sections of the nation. “We have come together and in one voice to say ‘Thank You Lagos’ for being prompt and attentive to numerous demands of the people through the THEMES+ agenda,’ he stated after lengthy debates.
The recent argument between the Governor and student leaders serves as more proof that the Governor has kept lines of communication open. This continuous interaction demonstrates a sincere desire to solve our issues and come up with solutions that work for everyone.
The Lagos State Government has made education a top priority. As a result, new schools have been established, including Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin, with a campus in Epe. Additionally, all existing schools have received timely funding for infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of cutting-edge teaching techniques.
Our youth are being equipped with the abilities necessary to thrive in the twenty-first century thanks to these initiatives. “Let me also thank the Lagos State Governor for his outstanding efforts, as he has continuously shown his dedication to the student body. The governor has proved that he values and supports the development of students in our state, from increasing bursaries and scholarships to donating buses to all of Lagos’ postsecondary institutions, including the NANS Aluta bus. Furthermore, his commitment to our future is demonstrated by the employment and career opportunities he provided to a number of student leaders throughout the state.
His willingness and commitment to include students in the state’s decision-making process is demonstrated by the recent appointment of student leaders to important positions in the Lagos State government, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Tertiary Education, Secondary and Basic Education, and Vocational and Technical Board.
Additionally, N1,571,076,000 was approved for registration fees and other incidentals for 58,188 SS3 students taking the West Africa School Certificate Examination in Secondary and Basic Education; 18,912 Mobile Learning Devices were given to SS2 students throughout the state’s six education districts.
The number of scholarships and bursaries available to students from Lagos State in higher education has dramatically increased.
Speaking at the same event, Comrade Titilayo Ekundayo, Chairman of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), said that female students in Lagos State will not participate in any kind of protest. “Lagos has enjoyed peace and will maintain it.” We Lagos State students are refusing to participate in protests.
We, the female students, are grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing women in the state with opportunities, and we will not participate in any kind of protest. Governor Sanwo-Olu has accomplished a lot in Lagos State, according to Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, hence there is no need for the State to launch a nationwide protest. “Governor Sanwo-Olu has made every effort to lessen the difficulties faced by pupils in Lagos State. We oppose all forms of protest. If #EndSARS occurs once more, we have nowhere else to go but here in our state. In my state, we are refusing to allow protests,” he declared.said
