At the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation ceremonies at Babcock University, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State faced strong opposition from graduands and guests when he spoke out against a planned nationwide protest by Nigerian youths. Addressing the audience as a special guest, Abiodun claimed that the protest was being fueled by “frustrated politicians who tried in the past and lost.” He urged the youth to choose dialogue over protest, warning that such actions could lead to anarchy.

Despite his appeals, the governor’s speech was met with disapproval from the audience, who drowned out his voice with noise. Abiodun highlighted various interventions by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including student loan payments, wage awards, and a new minimum wage, arguing that past protests had only resulted in losses. He cited previous protests that ended in violence, emphasizing that protests often lead to productivity losses, loss of lives, and destruction of property.

Governor Abiodun concluded by stressing the importance of dialogue over protest, urging the youth to work with the government to find lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems. He reiterated that engaging in protests could lead to anarchy and urged the audience to avoid gambling with the country’s stability.