Kakalistiq.com reports that the Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Epe Branch, Comrade Moibi Ibrahim, has on behalf of youth leaders called on the youth of Epe to reconsider planned protests in light of the current economic challenges and instead embrace dialogue with the government.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Epe Local Government Secretariat, Comrade Ibrahim stressed the importance of peaceful engagement in addressing the community’s concerns.
“We have convened this press conference to address the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Thursday, August 1st, 2024, and issues surrounding the closure of the Epe Area Office of Ikeja Electric,” Comrade Ibrahim began. He acknowledged the hardships brought about by the nation’s economic situation and the frustration it has caused, but urged the youth to think twice before taking to the streets. “I urge the youths of Epe to reconsider the planned protest and instead embrace dialogue with the government.”
Recalling the devastating aftermath of the EndSARS protests in 2020, which resulted in significant loss of life and property, Comrade Ibrahim emphasized the need for peaceful and constructive approaches. “We strongly advise the youths in Epe to shun any form of protest that could lead to violence, vandalization of properties, and public amenities,” he said, noting that Epe was spared from the chaos of 2020 and should strive to maintain its record of peaceful engagement.
Instead of protests, Comrade Ibrahim advocated for alternative channels of communication, such as town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements, to address grievances. “We believe that this approach will yield more positive outcomes and foster a safer environment for our youth. We must learn from the past and explore alternative channels for expressing our concerns,” he urged.
Addressing the recent closure of the Ikeja Electric Office in Epe, Comrade Ibrahim clarified that the action was not connected to the planned protest. “The Ikeja Electric Office Epe, which was locked by NYCN Epe, was not a result of the planned protest. It was due to the epileptic power supply in Epe, which has grounded our businesses,” he explained. He further shared that discussions with the Lagos State Government and the CEO of Ikeja Electric are underway to resolve the electricity issues in Epe.
“This action was not a protest but a symbolic expression of our concerns, carried out without violence or disruption,” Comrade Ibrahim stated, highlighting the effectiveness of non-violent communication. “We achieved our objective without putting anyone’s life or property at risk. This approach demonstrates that we can effectively communicate our concerns without resorting to destructive means.”
Comrade Ibrahim called on the youth to remain calm and resilient, reaffirming their commitment to building a better future for Epe and Nigeria as a whole. “Epe is our community, Lagos is our state, and Nigeria remains our nation. Let us build our dear nation together,” he concluded, urging continued dialogue and collaboration to address the challenges facing their community.
