Conference57 advocates for constructive civic engagement over protests

The Conference57, which is led by Hon. (Barr.) Alabi Kolade David and includes the 57 Council Chairmen of Lagos State’s 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), has said that the people planning the protest on August 1 do not want what’s best for the country.

All 57 Council Chairmen were present at the crowded news meeting where this statement was made. On July 23, the Conference 57 Chairmen met in Lagos State for a strategy meeting. 

At the meeting, Alabi also pushes for poll-based demonstrations instead of protests.

In his address, Bldr. Olusesan Daini, the Public Relations Officer of Conference57, emphasized that youths should channel their energy inward, focusing on creative and innovative contributions to support Nigeria. Daini urged young people to invest their efforts in nation-building rather than engaging in protests, which he believes do not offer constructive solutions to the country’s challenges.

Hon. Alabi Kolade David talked about how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cares about the well-being of Nigerians. He said that the fact that he approved a N70,000 minimum wage for workers and gave local governments financial independence was proof of this. He also praised Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s work to make sure that various palliatives reach the neediest people in every neighbourhood.

The council chairmen collectively argued that expressing grievances through protest might not yield the desired results. Instead, they advocated for utilizing electoral processes to voice discontent and drive change. They emphasized that the polls provide a legitimate platform for citizens to make their voices heard and influence governance. 

At the end of the meeting, the council leaders asked the people planning the protest to think again about how they were going to do things. They stressed that the future of Nigeria depends on its people being involved and positive. They think that encouraging young people to be innovative and creative is important for the growth and success of the country.