Lagos tertiary institutions’ students plan solidarity walk for authorities to replace August protest

Students of various in Lagos State on Tuesday have distanced themselves from the planned national protest by some Nigerians, tagged ‘#EndBadGovernanceinNigeria,’ scheduled for August 1 to 10.

The protest is meant to draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the plight of Nigerians, hunger, and rising cost of living in the country.

But the students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Lagos, said rather than joining the planned national protest, they would embark on a “Solidarity Walk” on the said dates to support and encourage the government of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who they said has been of great support to them.

Speaking to journalists during a press conference at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), 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, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos chapter, Comrade Lekan Alimi, described the planned nationwide protests as “absolutely uncalled for.”

Alimi, flanked by the President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi; Chairman, National Association of University Students (Lagos Chapter), Comrade Miracle Yemoh; Assistant General Secretary (South-West), National Association of Polytechnic Students, Comrade Zainab Yakub; Chairman, National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Comrade Titilayo Ekindayo; and Presidents of the Students Union of tertiary institutions in the State, said rather than joining the protest, students would prefer constructive dialogue with governments in achieving collective goals.

While noting that the trying times in the country would soon fade out, Akoni appealed to Nigerians to persevere a little more to enjoy the dividends of democracy of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said, “In these trying times, it is crucial that we remember the importance of stability, peace, and constructive dialogue in achieving our collective goals. Given these significant contributions and the progress we have witnessed, we strongly state that we are not in support of any protest against the government  in Lagos. We understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many, but we must also recognise the advancements and opportunities that have been provided to cushion the economic effect on the nation, and we hope other states can emulate the Lagos State Government.

“We cannot afford to let the destructive events of the past, such as the EndSARS protests, repeat themselves. Our priority is to defend and preserve the peace and prosperity of Lagos. We urge all students to channel their energies into constructive dialogue and positive action, such as volunteering for community development projects, participating in student-government initiatives, and engaging in academic and extracurricular activities that promote excellence.

“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.

“As a demonstration of our support for the Lagos State Government and our commitment to peace and stability, we announce our intention to hold a Solidarity Walk in support of the government. We plan to hold this walk from the 1st to the 10th of August, 2024, coinciding with the proposed dates of a planned protest by some unknown individuals. We will not let the voices of discord and destruction drown out our message of unity and progress.

“We invite all students, youth organizations, and well-meaning citizens to join us on this walk as we show our appreciation for the government’s efforts and our commitment to a brighter future for Lagos. Together, we can make a difference!”

Alimi, while declaring students’ support for Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, expressed their readiness to protect Lagos from another #EndSARS saga in the name of protest being proposed by some elements in the country.

He said, “The Lagos State Government has prioritised education in its agenda, leading to the establishment of new schools, namely: Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin with a campus in Epe; Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu; and proper and prompt funding of all existing ones with upgrades in their infrastructures; and the introduction of innovative teaching methods. These investments are empowering our young people with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

“Let me also acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the Governor of Lagos State, who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the student constituency. From the increment of bursaries and scholarships to the generous donation of buses to all tertiary institutions in Lagos, including the NANS Aluta bus, the Governor has shown that he values and supports the growth and development of students in our state.”

Also speaking, Chairman, National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), Titilayo Ekundayo, said female students in Lagos State would shun any form of protest.

“Lagos has been in peace and will continue to be in peace. We students are saying no to protest in Lagos State. We appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving opportunities to women in the state, and we female students will shun any form of protest.”

The President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has done a lot in Lagos State; therefore, there is no basis to embark on a national protest in the State.