By Kolawole Ojebisi
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared that the #EndSARS protest tested his mettle, stressing that it was one of his toughest moments as a leader.
#EndSARS gained prominence as a buzzword following the alleged killing of a young man by the defunct special anti-robbery squad (SARS) officers.
The young man’s death captured in a video which eventually became viral sparked a month-long protest in October 2020.
The protesters initially demanded the disbanding of SARS due to the rising cases of police brutality across the country, but the demonstration later expanded to address broader issues like poor governance and unemployment.
Tens of thousands of Nigerian youths participated in the #EndSARS protest, leading to significant global support and media attention.
However, the protests, mostly in Lagos, were met with violent repression by security agents, resulting in deaths and injuries among demonstrators.
The culmination of the protest happened in Lekki Toll Gates on October 20, 2020 when some protesters were reportedly killed
Assessing his years in office, Sanwo-Olu said the moment tested his leadership but noted that the needs of citizens must come first.
The governor spoke in Ikeja on Monday during a chat with 30 fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.
The academy focuses on developing young, change-oriented individuals who are passionate about shaping Nigeria’s future.
“One of my toughest moments as a leader was during the EndSARS protest,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“We have been tested as a government, but we must continue to put the needs of Lagosians beyond our struggles as a responsive and responsible government.
”No bad news stays forever. Work hard to create good news and make sure people listen to it.”
Sanwo-Olu eulogised the late Lateef Jakande, former Lagos governor, and urged the academy fellows to emulate the late leader.
”I know your generation may not know who Alhaji Lateef Jakande was,” he said, noting that the late former governor of Lagos epitomised leadership.
“That is why we are still talking about him today,” Sanwo-Olu added.
The governor encouraged the fellows to prioritise solutions and not challenges.
