Minister backs Take-It-Back movement, says it’s Nigerians’ right to protest

Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed his support for the ongoing nationwide protests led by the Take-It-Back Movement.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olawande emphasized that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to peacefully protest and demand accountability from leadership.

The minister noted that he would have personally joined the protests if his schedule had allowed it, highlighting his alignment with the core message of the movement.

He also described protests as an opportunity and platform for citizens to boldly pour out their hearts to their leaders.

Olawande, however, said that protests should be carried out devoid of violence and no property belonging to the government or individuals should be destroyed during a protest.

According to the minister such act of violence would not be tolerated by the government.

His words, “Everyone has the right to protest. If I even have the time, I will go and join the protest.

“I will be there to address them if I even have the time,” Olawande said.