Protest: Ex-UNILAG VC urges youths to embrace dialogue, shun violence

Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has appealed to youths to shun violence and embrace dialogue as a means to resolve national issues amicably.

Ogundipe made the call in an interview with our reporter on the sidelines of a hybrid event in Lagos, where he was inducted as an emeritus risk management expert.

The event saw Ogundipe inducted as a Fellow and Ambassador of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) by the Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP).

He was inducted alongside Dr Ken Opara, immediate past President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) and Executive Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, and Mr Bade Adeshina, Chairman of Health Assure.

Other inductees included Dr Mosun Bello-Olusoga, former Chairperson of Access Bank Ltd., Retired Rear Admiral Ken-Ati-John, Mr Olufemi Bakre, Managing Director of Parallel Bank Ltd., and seven others.

The inductees are also set to serve as board members of the Global Emeritus Risk and Compliance Professionals, headed by Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, immediate past Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Ibrahim was introduced as the Chairman Emeritus of the Global Emeritus sub-group, with other board members drawn from the financial, insurance, banking, and capital market sectors.

Speaking to NAN on the planned nationwide protest, Ogundipe emphasised that peaceful dialogue remained the best global solution to economic and other issues.

He warned youths not to be misled by social media influencers, noting that war had never resolved any problems, as warring parties often end up negotiating and discussing solutions.

According to him, expressing opinions is acceptable, but it should not lead to violence or property destruction.

He pointed out that protesters might inadvertently harm the properties and businesses they aim to protect.

“The most important thing is, whatever the grievances may be, let the government know, express it, and follow it up.

“Advocacy and talk would resolve the issues, not destruction of properties, not by war.

“Anywhere you go in the world where they have a revolution, what will end up resolving it is talking about it, discussing it, and finding solutions.

“And we should also know that the issue of economic problems is a global issue. It is not localised to Nigeria.

“We should not allow social media influencers to destroy our country,” he said.

On the economy, Ogundipe advised the federal government to adopt economically friendly policies that would not place unnecessary pressure on companies and financial institutions.