The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed strong support for the ongoing protest by the Take It Back Movement, affirming the right of young Nigerians to demand accountability and better governance.
Olawande, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Monday shortly after the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), said although he couldn’t join the protest due to time constraints, he aligns with the ideals behind it.
“If I even have the time, I will go and join the protest,” he said.
He, however, cautioned against any form of violence or destruction of public infrastructure during demonstrations, noting that such actions could be detrimental to national development.
“Youths should speak their minds, but they shouldn’t be violent, and government infrastructure should not be destroyed,” the minister stated.
Olawande further noted that peaceful protests are a democratic right and assured that the current administration is open to listening to the concerns of citizens.
He said, “No government has stopped anyone from protesting and pouring out their grievances,” he said. “They will be listened to and be addressed. I will be there to address them if I even have the time.”
