- Eleniyan advocates youth dialogue over protests for nation-building
- Says protests now attract hijackers and create more harm than good
- Youth Discourse tagged as a national transformation movement
Former Lagos lawmaker and founder of the Eleniyancares Leadership Foundation, Hon. Segun Olulade (Eleniyan), has urged young Nigerians to channel their activism toward constructive dialogue rather than disruptive protests, stressing that lasting national change can only be achieved through engagement, collaboration, and strategic communication.
Eko Hot Blog reports that addressing participants at the Youth National Discourse 2025 in Abuja, themed “From Protest to Dialogue: Redefining Youth Engagement for National Transformation,” Eleniyan noted that while protests once served as a platform for public frustration, they now often yield more damage than desired reform.
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“Sadly, these protests have often damaged our collective values and destroyed our lives and property,” he lamented.
“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.”
He challenged young citizens to reflect on the true impact of past demonstrations.
“Have these protests truly brought the change we desire? Or have they only deepened our wound as a nation?” he asked, emphasizing that unity and dialogue must take center stage.
“This is why dialogue is needed. Open, honest and continuous dialogue must now take the front seat in shaping our nation’s direction.”
Eleniyan emphasized that the strength and creativity of Nigerian youths can only deliver meaningful progress when aligned with government structures.
“Through dialogue, Nigerian youth can forge synergy with the government, influence peace, and break the barriers between the nation and its dynamic, proactive, very intelligent youth,” he said.
He encouraged youths to leverage the opportunity for engagement under the current administration.
“The door of engagement has never been more open than it is today. We must seize this moment to build and rebuild the trust,” he stated.
Acknowledging growing youth participation in governance and expanding support for innovation and entrepreneurship, he said,
“Government cannot do it alone, but together, through collaborations, conversation and commitment, we can achieve a Nigeria that works for all.”
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Describing the Youth National Discourse as a movement rather than a mere event, Eleniyan affirmed,
“It is a movement of minds and hearts. A platform to be strong, to connect and to chart a realistic roadmap for national transformation.”
He concluded with a call for responsible engagement:
“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.”
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