Instead of participating in the countrywide demonstration that is set to take place from August 1 to 10, students from a few higher education institutions in Lagos State have decided to start a solidarity walk on the same day to show support for the state government.
To bring President Bola Tinubu's administration's attention to the suffering of Nigerians, hunger, and the growing expense of living in the nation, the students on Tuesday disassociated themselves from the planned nationwide protest organized by certain Nigerians under the hashtag "#EndBad Governance in Nigeria."
The students said that the "Solidarity Walk" would be organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students in Lagos, on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who they claimed has been a tremendous help to them.
Speaking to journalists during a press conference at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, after a joint meeting, student leaders across tertiary institutions in Lagos State said their solidarity walk would also be held from August 1 to 10 to drum for peace, especially to ensure that the ugly incident of #EndSARS” of 2020 does not repeat itself.
The chairman of NANS, Lagos axis, Lekan Alimi, who addressed journalists on behalf of the students of various tertiary institutions in the state, described the planned nationwide protests against hardship in the country as “absolutely uncalled for.”
Alimi stated that rather than participating in the protest, students would prefer constructive dialogue with governments to achieve collective goals.
He was accompanied by President Hafiz Olufowobi of the National Association of Lagos State Students, Chairman Miracle Yemoh of the National Association of University Students (Lagos Chapter), Assistant General Secretary (South-West) Zainab Yakub of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, Chairman Titilayo Ekindayo of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), and Presidents of the Students Union of higher institutions in the state.
Given these important contributions and the progress we have witnessed, we strongly state that we are not in support of any protest against the government of Lagos," he said. "We understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many, but we must also recognize the advancements and opportunities that have been provided to cushion the economic effect of the nation, and we hope other states can emulate the Lagos State Government.
"We cannot afford to let the destructive events of the past, like the EndSARS protests, repeat themselves. Our priority is to defend and preserve the peace and prosperity of Lagos."
He said "We believe that with time, patience, and continued collaboration with the government, we will see further improvements and solutions to the issues we face. Let us stand together in unity and purpose, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to a better future for all."
He further encouraged all students to direct their energies toward constructive dialogue and positive action, such as volunteering for community development projects, taking part in student-government initiatives, and participating in academic and extracurricular activities that promote excellence.
We have scheduled this walk for August 1st through August 10th, 2024, to coincide with the dates that some unidentified individuals have requested for a 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 organizations, and well-intentioned residents to participate in this walk 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 favor of Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration and that they were prepared to shield Lagos from a new #EndSARS scandal during the planned demonstration that is set to start next month.
"We would want to extend an invitation to all students, young organizations, and well-intentioned residents to participate in this walk 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 favor of Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration and that they were prepared to shield Lagos from a new #EndSARS scandal during the planned demonstration that is set to start next month.
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