**Ogun State Youth: Reflections on Absence at #FearlessOctober1 Protests**
During the nationwide #FearlessOctober1 protests that took place across the country on Tuesday, it is noteworthy that youths in Ogun State largely abstained from participating in the protests.
Reports indicate that normal activities and movement of people continued without major disruption in key areas such as Mowe, Interchange, Okemosan, Panseke and Kuto.
Security forces including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Civil Guard Corps, Ogun State Community Safety and Social Orientation Corps, as well as the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency were deployed to strategic locations to prevent any public disorder.
It would be recalled that an Abeokuta High Court restricted members of the #FearlessInOctober protest group to specific locations, including MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota.
The court, presided over by Justice Tajudeen Okunsokan, issued the order last Monday following an application filed by the State Attorney General in case No. AB/667/2024. The application named Messrs. Afolabi Adeboye, Ifemosu Michael and Lekan Soneye (on behalf of themselves and members of the #FearlessInOctober protest group), as well as Bestman Okereafor (representing the All Progressive Students Movement), among others.
The court also ordered the Commissioner of Police to enforce the order, which is valid for seven days, in accordance with Order 39 of the Ogun State High Court Civil Procedure Rules of 2014.
When our correspondent visited the MKO Abiola Stadium and the popular Skating Ground in Abeokuta last Tuesday, there was no sign of protest activity.
A young man, identified as Jamiu, explained his reasons for not joining the protest, saying: “How have protests ever helped the country? What did previous protests achieve?”
Another youth, Ayo Adeyemi, speaking from Kuto area, acknowledged the current economic challenges but questioned the efficacy of the protests. “Yes, things are tough, but will protesting change anything? Joining the protest is a waste of time and puts you in danger,” Adeyemi stressed.
Meanwhile, protests have been reported in other parts of the country, with demonstrators gathering in Lagos and Abuja.
The absence of Ogun State youths from the #FearlessOctober1 protests raises questions about the perceptions and concerns of local youth. Beyond mass protests, it is essential to explore the different ways in which youth can be involved in constructive actions to bring about change and progress in society.
As protests continue to animate other parts of the country, it is crucial to highlight debates and discussions on how young people can meaningfully contribute to the public cause, using avenues that foster dialogue, collaboration and innovation for a better and more inclusive future for all.