An interest group, Eleniyancares Leadership Foundation, has called on young Nigerians to shun disruptive protests and embrace dialogue and partnership for national development and transformation.
Founder of the Foundation, Segun Olulade stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the Youth National Discourse, Abuja 2025, organised by the foundation.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the discourse had as its theme: “From Protest to Dialogue: Redefining Youth Engagement for National Transformation.”
Olulade said that over the years, Nigeria had witnessed moments of frustration and anger expressed through protests, with some peaceful and others violent.
He noted that in the long run, many of the protests had yielded little or no results.
“Sadly, these protests have often damaged our collective values and destroyed our lives and property, as well as deepened the mistrust between the citizens and the government.
“Even more painful is the fact that at times, such protests have been hijacked and sponsored by individuals or groups who profit from chaos, leaving innocent youths to pay the ultimate price with their lives.
“Sadly, the question we must ask ourselves is simple: Have these protests truly brought the change we desire? Or have they only deepened our wound as a nation?
“This is why dialogue is needed. Open, honest and continuous dialogue must now take the front seat in shaping our nation’s direction.
“Dialogue builds bridges where divisions once stood. It is a great understanding where suspicions once thrived,’’ he said.
Olulade said that through dialogue, Nigerian youth could forge synergy with the government; influence peace, break the barriers between the nation and the Nigerian ‘dynamic, proactive, very intelligent youth’.
This, according to him, will ensure that policy pronouncements and development programmes reflect the realities, the dreams and aspirations of young Nigerians.
He advised the youth to take advantage of the open door policy of the President Bola Tinubu-led government by engaging government in order for them to realise the Nigeria of their dreams.
He described Tinubu ‘s Renewed Hope Agenda as a call to youths to engage meaningfully, contribute meaningfully and see government, not as an adversary but as a partner in progress.
Olulade added that the current administration had demonstrated willingness to listen, consult and act on the concerns of the youth.
He cited youth inclusion in government and initiatives that supported innovations, entrepreneurship and street-scale development.
“The door of engagement has never been more open than it is today. We must seize this moment to build and rebuild the trust.
“Government cannot do it alone, but together, through collaborations, conversation and commitment, we can achieve a Nigeria that works for all.
“The Youth National Discourse 2025 is not just another event or gathering. It is a movement of minds and hearts. A platform to be strong, to connect and to chart a realistic roadmap for national transformation.
“I encourage every participant to speak the truth to the government, to the policy makers. It is time we open up, not through aggression but through reasons, through facts and solutions,’’ he said.
