‘ATTEMPT TO BURN DOWN OUR HERITAGE WON’T BE A WISE MOVE’ — LAGOS INDIGENOUS YOUTHS WARN AHEAD OF PLANNED PROTEST

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Indigenous youths of Lagos State have come together to speak out against what they called “warmongering” and “violent rhetoric” by some people planning to stage ‘Hunger Protest’ in the State.

Steer clear of Lagos, the youths warned troublemakers who they accused of hiding their intention to unleash terror in the State under the guise of the protest.

The youths, under the banner of Indigenous Youth Network, comprising young people and youth groups from all the five traditional divisions in Lagos, held a press briefing on Sunday at the “Three Wise Men” statue along Olowopopo Way, Ikeja.

Led by Mobolaji Ogunlende from Badagry Division, Lagos indigenous youths said they were not opposed to citizens exercising their fundamental rights to demonstrate peacefully whenever they were not satisfied with any policy of the Government, but they vowed to defend their heritage against any form of violence during the planned protest.

Ogunlende said the group strongly believed the planned protest was politically motivated, adding that youths in Lagos would only support move bordering on constructive dialogue rather than joining opposition forces bent on destabilising the country under the guise of demonstrations.

Lagos youths advised those sponsoring the protest to have a rethink, while pledging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom they described as “kind and humane” leader.

Ogunlende said: “We, the Lagos Indigenous Youths Network, stand before you today to reflect on our progress as a State and express concern over the planned protest in Lagos. While we acknowledge the fundamental right to protest, we believe it must be constructive and in the best interest of the people.

“We are not against the citizens constructively engaging their leaders when it is crucial but the moment when such engagement becomes a platform for tension and warmongering sponsored for political scores, then it is time to call for caution. This is what we have observed.

“Intelligence gathered reveals that the planned protest is politically motivated and not in the interest of Lagosians, who are peace-loving and hardworking. We are coming together to defend our heritage and State against any possible destruction by agents of violence masquerading as lovers of the people.”

Ogunlende recalled the violence that trailed the EndSARS protests of 2020 during which Lagos suffered targeted arson attacks on its numerous public properties. He stressed that the State was yet to recover from the incident, adding that taxpayers still paid for the effort to rebuild the torched facilities.

Rather than contriving crises that would make Government spend on rebuilding, Ogunlende said the State’s resources should be channeled into productive Initiatives in benefit of the residents.

Ogunlende reeled out various State Government-led efforts and initiatives that had been of benefit to residents and which he believed should dissuade those being recruited for the protest in Lagos.

He said: “Do you know Lagos is paying above the minimum wage and does not owe workers salaries? Lagos does not owe pensioners. This is the only State that has cleared all pension backlog. Lagos does not discriminate between indigenes and non-indigenes. Our hospitality is second to none. Lagos provides free healthcare to expectant women, while also providing subsidised education to all residents, regardless of their origin.

“Lagos built Red Line and Blue Line rail projects that have changed the face of transportation in our State forever. We have Independent Power projects powering key infrastructure in the State. Lagos developed its own port and the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Lagos has built more roads, bridges and flyovers to cater for the growing population. Lagos built BRT systems and has provided sufficient buses for municipal transportation.

“State Government has been paying bursaries to students in tertiary institutions without fail. Lagos provided EKO CARES under which we had the Ounjè Eko Sunday Market where prices were slashed by 25 per cent. Transport fares were slashed by 25 per cent; the reduction is still on. Lagos provided grants to 20,000 residents to start businesses. We have a Government that prioritises the affairs of the youth beyond rhetoric.”

Ogunlende said Lagos deserved the support of the youth in order to do more, rather than being destabilised under the guise of a protest.

He said the Government was aware that more work needed to be done, urging young people to work together to make the State safe for investment.