We all know that information is a weapon. The meaning of the saying, the pen is mightier than the sword is not lost on us. So, you journalists, can use your pen – or keypads as is more applicable these days – to either develop the nation or destroy it. One wrongly worded headline can spark a burn down the entire nation.

The successes that we have recorded so far are due to your continuous support of our fiscal policies…In the past year, we have made significant progress in the actualisation of our plans for Oyo State. We have been able to lower our infrastructural deficit, make improvements in healthcare delivery, improve the quality of education and achieve milestones in our security systems.

As I have argued on various fora, for governors to really play the role of Chief Security Officers of their states, state policing is the way forward. I am confident that someday, we will get enough support at the national level to achieve that constitutional review. But, for now, we will settle for the next best thing.

Since one of the “fundamental drivers of economic growth” is our university education system, we should be thinking of comprehensive reform programs that will reposition our universities as growth drivers. Policymakers should be concerned about the type and quality of education that we are offering to the youths. It should be an education that prepares them to be active drivers of our economy.

Some people have said it will not yield any results. Well, the only way it can produce results is if people present their cases and bring evidence to support them. So that the panels can make their recommendations, which will then be adopted and implemented.

We know that the protests have been a result of simmering anger among the youths. We are aware of the economic situation, especially the reduced income of many due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also the general unemployment situation in the country. Let me reassure you that we will continue to prioritise actions that will positively impact the youths.

We remain committed to the process of meeting the demands of these protests. Already, as promised, the Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Oyo State, has withdrawn cases against End SARS protesters, and those in custody have been released.

Last night, I held an emergency meeting with the heads of the main security agencies in Oyo State. I have again restated my position on the ongoing protests to them. And we have agreed that the police should take a back seat as other security agencies take the frontlines in securing the lives of protesters, at this time.