Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has expressed support for the ongoing #TakeItBack protest, saying he would join if his schedule allowed.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday at the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the minister said young people have every right to speak up and protest peacefully.
“Everyone has the right to protest. If I even have the time, I will go and join the protest,” Olawande said.
While backing the right to peaceful assembly, he urged protesters to avoid violence or destruction of government infrastructure, warning that damaging public property affects the country’s economy.
“No government has stopped anyone from protesting or expressing their grievances. As long as it’s peaceful, they will be listened to and addressed. I will be there to speak with them—if I have the time,” he added.
