Ahead of the Ijemo Day celebration in Abeokuta, the Ijemo Council of Chiefs has warned the Nigerian youths against the planned 10-day nationwide hunger and hardship protest.

The chiefs noted that such decision would not solve the current economic crisis being faced in the country, but rather damage what the government had put together over the years.

Speaking at a news conference in Abeokuta to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Ijemo Day in Abeokuta, Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the youths to dialogue with the President Bola Tinubu ‘s government instead of the protest.

Kufile warned that such protest might lead to the destruction of government properties and infrastructure.

He stated that the celebration slated for August 3rd to August 10th is to celebrate the 110th Ijemo Massacre, history and culture.

The high chief while recounting the 1914 Ijemo massacre , warned that engaging in violent protests tends to cause more harm than to offer solutions.

He said, “What happen then in our own time was because someone was arrested and died while in detention.

“Now as at that time whether everybody likes it or not people will die and people will live. But in an environment where there’s an issue the only solution is amicable resolution.

“If we have some buildings and there is no money to renovate them then, some people will now say they want to protest and burn things down. Where are we going to get money to build another one? it is important that we have to dialogue.”

The Council of Chiefs maintained that while the country might be facing challenges with the development of new infrastructure destroying existing ones would only cause more harm than good.

“It is getting difficult for development now, money is no longer the issues that we use to have, creating houses, great infrastructure are very difficult to put together now. We have money in existence but the value is limited.

“So whatever we have or that our forefathers have built either the federal, state or local government level let us strive to make sure that we sustain and maintain them. Damaging what we have been able to put together cannot solve any problem."

OgunToday reports that the line up of the anniversary includes:

Saturday, 3rd August, 2024 -There would be medical outreach involving Health screening with gift of drugs and medication after medical assessment of the participants. This programme is opened to the elderly and the sick of all ages. It will take place at Ijemo Town Hall, Arimokunrin Street, Ijemo, Abeokuta from the hours of 10.00am to 6.00 pm.

Wednesday, 7th August 2024- there would be Woro event where scores of horse riders comprising the sons and daughters of Ijemo will present a beautiful spectacle and showcase dexterity at horsemanship.

On this same day, there will be a street Carnival and parties all over the streets and compounds of Ijemo Township for the youths to mark the celebration of Ijemo History, Culture and Heritage.

Friday, 9th August, 2024- There would be Traditional Games- A fun spot and a knowledge-based game- we will arrange the Local Ayo Olopon, draughts, Ludo, Table Tennis among others. This event starts by 10.00 am at Ijemo Town Hall. While the traditional game is on by 2.00pm, there will be an educational Empowerment for not less than 30 WAEC/NECO Candidates for the 2024 – 2025 academic session. The event shall hold at Ile Ogboni, Oke Ijemo, Abeokuta.

Saturday, 10th August 2024 - The grand finale will take place at the venue already secured for the programme. It promises to be grand and colourful on the band stand will be the music Star, the current toast of fuji music lovers, Taye Currency.