Hundred of Nigerian youths under the umbrella of Young Leaders’ Forum (YLF) on Sunday staged solidarity rally in support for Palestine.
The youths who stormed Ojokoro area of Lagos State on Sunday kicked against Israel bombardment of Gaza, Palestine which had claimed several civilian lives.
The youths displayed placards with various inscriptions such as: ‘Free Palestine, free Gaza’, ‘End Israel apartheid now!’, ‘Nigerians unite for Palestine’, ‘Nigerians call for justice for Palestine’, ‘Good people of America must stop Joe Biden’s collaboration with killers,’ among others.
While addressing the newsmen during the rally, the Coordinator of YLF, Ojokoro & Ifako Ijaye Zone, called on the well meaning people across the world, International communities, United Nations and others to immediately end the war and return to the negotiating table.
He said, “I stand before you as the Young Leaders’ Forum (YLF) coordinator at this crucial moment, representing the voices and hopes of our young generation. We are here today at the STOP THE WAR, SAVE THE PALESTINIAN CHILDREN Rally to echo our collective demand for an end to the war and the protection of innocent lives in the occupied territories of Palestine.
“The ongoing war in Palestine has left a trail of suffering, particularly among Palestinian children who are living through the unimaginable horrors of war. As the future leaders of this world, it is our responsibility to speak up, take action, and pave the way for a better tomorrow.
“These children, who should be filled with dreams and aspirations, are instead experiencing the horrors of violence, displacement, and loss. We cannot turn a blind eye to their suffering, nor should we accept that this is the world we want to inherit.
“Our message today is simple but powerful: STOP THE WAR, SAVE THE PALESTINIAN CHILDREN.
“We stand united in our commitment to speak out against the killing of children and innocent lives in the ongoing war in the occupied territories of Palestine. Today, we raise our voices in solidarity with the Palestinian children, women, and aged who are enduring unimaginable hardships.
“The images we see and the stories we hear are heart-wrenching. Innocent lives are being shattered, families torn apart, and dreams of a peaceful future crushed under the weight of this relentless war. It is our moral obligation to stand up against this injustice.
“Innocent Palestinian children, who should be playing, learning, and dreaming, are instead being killed, injured and living in constant fear and uncertainty. Mothers and women, who should be nurturing their families and communities, are bearing the heavy burden of grief and loss. The elderly, who should be enjoying their golden years in peace, are enduring the horrors of war.
“We recognize that every life lost in this war is a tragedy. Every child, woman, and elderly person who loses their life leaves behind a void that can never be filled. We cannot ignore the pain and suffering that this war inflicts on the people of Palestine.
“We call on the good people of the world, International communities, UN etc to call for the immediate end to this war and a return to the negotiating table. It is only through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy that a just and lasting solution can be reached. We must demand an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the land of Palestine for far too long since 1948.
“Our call is a call for the fundamental right of the Palestinians. The right to their Land, right to basic amenities of life( Water, Electricity, good roads etc without any restrictions), right to life, dignity, and security. We believe in the power of peace, the strength of unity, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“As we stand together today, let us remember that our voices are our most potent weapons. We can make a difference, not just through our words, but through our actions and our unyielding commitment to a future where children can grow up in safety and hope. Let us amplify our message, not only in this gathering but in our communities, in our countries, and across the world.
“We at, YOUNG LEADERS’ FORUM say NO TO THE KILLING OF FUTURE LEADERS IN PALESTINE.
“Thank you for being here today, and thank you for supporting the cause of peace and the protection of innocent lives. Together, we can be the change we wish to see in the world.”
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