Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Osun state counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola and first lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Wednesday urged Nigerian youth protesting against police brutality to remain calm and allow their elected representatives take up the challenge from where they left off.
Speaking at the 20th national women virtual conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Governors Sanwo-Olu and Oyetola said the government is ready to do things differently and positively.
He said: “I want to humbly request and appeal to our youth that their voices have been heard, their grievances have been well taken, their cause is a just and important cause. We have listened to them and listened to them very well. Government more than ever before will do things differently and positively. We can all see the efforts we have started since yesterday and today going forward.”
Stressing the need for the protesters to slow down the protests, which has led to traffic gridlocks and close of business activities in different parts of Lagos state and other parts of Nigeria, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that: “Businesses have suffered, people are just coming back to businesses. It would be unfair for those businesses not to be able to get back on their feet again because we have a larger social economic effect.
“I know and I appreciate the challenges that all of you are going through. I appreciate the unfortunate incident that has happened to some of our youth. But like I said, we have heard you and we heard you very well.
“Please let those changes that you asked for begin to happen. We have made commitments in Lagos state and other states too have made commitments. Let us see the effects of those changes and commitments we have given.”
Earlier in his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the agitations by the youth is a clarion call for parents, leaders and opinion molders for a new agenda.
In his keynote address, Governor Oyetola said the leaders are ready to join the voice of reason to make Nigeria a better place.
“We are convinced as leaders and we are ready to join the voice of reason to make Nigeria a better place,” the governor said.
Also speaking, Dr. (Mrs) Sanwo-Olu, who is the chairman of COWLSO, assured the youth that their demands with regards to Police reforms would be implemented by the government.
