NATIONWIDE PROTEST: "USE ENTERTAINMENT AND DIALOGUE TO PACIFY THE AGITATING YOUTHS, NOT FORCE" .....UN/AU Peace Keeping Mission In Somalia Embedded Journalist, Doyin Diya Appeals To Government

Doyin Diya 

"As a Journalist and security correspondent with local and international experience, I have seen devastating effects of conflicts on harmless and innocent citizens." Doyin Diya 

"We can not afford to set our country ablaze just to prove a point."

There's no doubt that the economic impulses has taken severe toll on many Nigerians, just as many countries around the world also strive to mitigate the effects of the global economic meltdown.

Unfortunately, many Nigerians in recent times have experienced very severe hunger and inflation, with the standard of living worsening on daily basis. A situation which gave room for the ongoing agitation (Protest) in the country.

As a Journalist and security correspondent  with local and international experience, I have seen devastating effects of conflicts on harmless and innocent citizens. 

In most cases, the vulnerable groups such as woman and children, the elderly, the sick, persons living with disabilities among others becomes worst hit by such crisis. A restful of which is severe starvation (hunger), outbreak of epidemic, desolation and people running away from their homeland to become refugees in other places.

Moreso, I have witnessed protests degenerate and turn violent for different reasons.

There is however a very important aspect to note here: Despite the very harsh economic realities and the alleged "abandonment by the government" Nigerian Youths have continued to strive and even making giant strides both at home and abroad in various fields of endeavor.

It is therefore instructive for the government to find better ways to persuade the Youths whilst making frantic efforts to address their plights.

"As such, entertainment can be a very useful tool to speak to the emotions of the Youths."

For instance, during the #ENDSARS protest, there were music, dances , drama and other forms of entertainment at the various convergent locations across the country.

During the period, individuals and corporate entities were said to have made voluntary donation of foods, drinks, sanitary wears and other welfare and social amenities to those in attendance. 

This  to a large extent kept the tension low and as such amplified the saying that "Nigerians are the happiest people on earth" Irrespective of their situation. Unfortunately the peaceful and carnival-like protest turned chaotic as violence erupted afterwards due to infiltration by some unknown persons (as alleged).

As such, with the realities unfolding in some areas on the ongoing protest, it is imperative for the actors to walk the path of peace and caution, whilst the government and law enforcement agents also walk the path of honor and consideration.

It is a known fact that, with a population of over two hundred million people, Nigeria can not withstand another Civil War, just as we can not afford to set our country ablaze just to prove a point. No country will be able to accommodate such a huge population should the situation go out of control.

As Nigerians, we must realize that the peace and prosperity of our land and country lies in our hands and it should and must be a collective effort.

"Both the Government and People must not allow emotions or pride or anger to trigger unwarranted violence  that may lead to bloodshed and needless loss of lives and properties in the country."

I Believe Peace Is Possible.

Let there be peace in Nigeria.

GOD Bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

E-sign

Doyin Diya

Media Consultant/Security Analyst

Embedded Journalist, UN/AU PEACE KEEPING MISSION IN SOMALIA.