Remi Tinubu: Lagos hasn’t recovered from impact of EndSARS protest

Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, has called on the youths to suspend the planned nationwide protest.

The proposed nationwide demonstration is expected to begin on August 1.

Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with the governors’ wives at the State House in Abuja, the first lady said Lagos state is yet to fully recover from the outcome of the EndSARS protest.

She said Nigeria has earned more respect in the international community, adding that there is an increasing interest in business opportunities in the country.

“This government has been working day and night to make sure that this country is put back on its feet,” she said.

“What Nigerians don’t you know is that the respect we have now as Nigerians in the international community is higher than what we’ve had in the past.

“People want to do business with Nigeria legitimately now. Because they know all the cards are on the table, and that will create jobs. So, our youths should try to engage themselves, be creative, and do more.

“Lagos has not covered from ENDSARS, and it saddens our hearts. And what people don’t realise is that when we’re drumming for things like that, we don’t know the backlash and what will happen after.”

The first lady said the current administration is not in the office to play, adding that the government is working to ensure stability in the country.

“So, everybody has to be creative; our youth have to be seen doing something, nobody is going to even encourage and put money into the pocket of somebody who is not doing anything,” she added.

“There are so many opportunities in Nigeria. People made money during COVID. Lots of money just by making sanitizers and creating different things that people can use at that time.

“The opportunities are there; it is not what it used to be. People have to reach out. And there are things that we’ve done before.

“I will appeal to them to be patient. We didn’t come here playing. We came here to work because, for one, I know we will leave this place one day, and I want to go into a Nigeria that will not be a burden to me.

“I’ll be much older, and I want to make sure that I take my rest in a very conducive and nice atmosphere. And that’s what we’re doing.

“If they’re trying to be disruptive, then is left between them and the law. But I pray that they would reconsider and don’t make life difficult for those who are still having quite a challenging life.

“That’s why we’re putting money into the hands of petty traders, giving them a grant of N50,000. It’s not a loan, just to help small businesses. We’ve done that in the past, and I see how well it goes.

“They shouldn’t deprive all those people that depend on their daily living and then trying to obstruct that.

“So, I appeal to them, and I pray they’ll see reasons.”