Center for Sustained Dialogue on Wednesday, December 9 held the second edition of its annual roundtable discussion with youth in Osun State.
The programme, which was aimed at changing the orientation and perspective of Nigerians about their country and to mobilize young persons towards nation building, had in attendance youths, opinion moulders, activists, development advocates and students.
In his address, the Convener of the group, Comrade Waheed Saka said the aim of this year’s dialogue is to access the country after COVID-19. He said the COVID-19 has brought to the fore again, the issue of corruption.
He said, “the theme of this year’s International Day Against Corruption is Recovery with Dignity. We observed that a lot of intervention funds were received during COVID-19 but it was obvious that nobody has accounted for it till now.
“As a group, we always ensure that we discuss issues of concern because failure to discuss will mean we’re encouraging violence. We believe discussion here will go a long way in addressing serious issues.
In his address, one of the lecturers, Dr Dayo Shobowale of the Department of Computer Science, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti commended the government’s effort in the handling of EndSARS protest in Osun. While condemning the attacks on government officials, properties and private businesses.
Shobowale also condemned the government’s decision to freeze protesters’ bank accounts, adding that it can only be done to those who have bee confirmed to have erred against the state.
“I want to commend the government’s effort towards the first spate of the protest. They did well. While I want to condemn the attack on personalities and businesses, I also wish to say that the government’s decision to freeze accounts of individuals is not the best.”
Shobowale also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to direct his men to attend panels when summoned.
In his lecture, the Chiefwhip of the Osun State House of Assembly, Tunde Olatunji highlighted the roles of youth in bringing about the change everyone desired.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Civil Societies Coalition in Osun State, Comrade Waheed Lawal emphasized on the need for regular engagement will help in molding the minds of the youth.
“I salute the courage of the organizers got putting this together. I believe it would have multiple impacts as participants will go to their various communities to ensure they teach more youths on the need to have reorientation.
“Constant engagement is very necessary for the youth to remain productive and to ensure they contribute to the nation building.”
Among those at the programme are Senior Special Assistant to Governor Gboyega Oyetola on students’matters and social mobilization, Kehinde Ayantunji; Special Assistant on strategic communication, Charles Adeyemi, President of National Association of Osun State Students, Teslim Salahudeen; Academics from Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Federal Polytechnic Ede, among other.
