Nigeria @64: Protests rock Lagos, Osun, Oyo, others as Nigerians demand relief from hunger, hardship
…Tinubu promises relief amid economic hardship, calls for patience
…We’re not happy with FG policies — Osun protesters
…Participants in Ibadan rally demand reversal of fuel subsidy removal
…Jonathan advocates for stronger institutions to secure Nigeria’s future
By Correspondents
As Nigeria celebrated its 64th Independence Day yesterday October 1st, the streets of Lagos, Osun, Oyo, and Kaduna were abuzz with protests against economic hardship, bad governance, and hunger.
Youths from these states have taken to the streets to express their frustration and demand relief from the current economic situation.
Despite pleas from the government and stakeholders, the protests have gained momentum.
Meanwhile, Lagos State witnessed significant protests on October 1, as civil society groups, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, gathered in Ojota to voice their frustrations over rising petrol prices and escalating hardship faced by Nigerians.
The protest, branded as the #FearlessOctober1stProtest, drew crowds from various locations, including Ikeja Underbridge and Freedom Park.
Despite a police directive to limit gatherings, protesters occupied key routes, blocking sections of Ikorodu Road. Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola noted the orderly conduct of the protesters, stating, “I commend them for being peaceful at the time of this report.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining order and assured that police would prevent any criminal activities during the demonstrations.
The event saw a surge of excitement as Sowore joined the protesters in Ikeja before making his way to Ojota.
Organiser Hassan Taiwo Soweto reiterated the group’s commitment to non-violence, asserting, “We will remain peaceful, even if provoked by security forces.”
The atmosphere was charged with jubilation as participants rallied around their shared goals of economic reform and government accountability.
As the day progressed, a heavy police presence remained in the area to monitor the situation closely. The protests culminated at Freedom Park, where activists continued their calls for immediate action to alleviate the hardship.
Also, there was a heavy security presence as the protesters in Osun State under the aegis of Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against economic hardship just as protesters decried Federal government’s policies.
The Protesters who converged on independence day at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park moved from Old Garage, Oke fia, Dele Yes Sir and later terminated at Olaiya Junction after six hours.
The combination of security operatives like Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Correctional Services among others.
The protesters in their numbers aimed themselves with placards, “Place all political office holders on minimum wage,” “Reverse electricity tariff hike,” “implement 70,000 minimum wage.”
Addressing journalists, the coordinator of the coalition, Comrade Adetunji Ajala, stated that the protest is a one-off event aimed at frowning at the government policies.
He expressed his satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the protesters, noting that there was no looting, burning of tyres, among other acts capable of causing a crisis in the state.
He said, “The essence of this protest is to tell the government that we are not happy with its policies and we were able to achieve our objective in a peaceful manner because there was no looting, no burning of tires and there was no attack on any one or personality.
“And we were able to exercise our right as a citizen of this country, and the people who participated were of good conduct and that of the security agencies.
“The coalition of concerned Nigeria citizens as the major recognised body for this protest is ending ours today, because it’s a one day event.”
Scores of youths in Ibadan, Oyo State, took to the streets on October 1, joining a nationwide movement to protest against what they termed President Bola Tinubu’s “anti-people policies.” The demonstration commenced early in the morning, with protesters barricading the busy Mokola roundabout.
Led by the “Take It Back Movement,” founded by activist Omoyele Sowore, participants voiced their grievances over the removal of fuel subsidies, increased electricity tariffs, and the soaring cost of living. Carrying placards inscribed with messages such as “Hunger Dey” and “End Bad Governance Now,” the protesters called for a reversal of these policies to improve the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
A key organiser of the protest, Solomon Emiola, stated, “The unmet demands from previous protests informed our decision to stage #EndBadGovernance 2.0. The current policies have made life unbearable for citizens.”
He emphasised that the government’s actions have thwarted Nigeria’s quest for true independence, exacerbating poverty and educational deprivation.
Addressing the federal government’s recent Independence Day speech, Ekanem Goodwill, the State Public Relations Officer of the Take It Back Movement, dismissed promises of youth engagement as mere distractions.
“We will not be silenced by empty promises,” he said, referencing the government’s long history of unfulfilled commitments.
Also, residents of Ondo State gathered in Akure on Tuesday to protest against worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, focusing on surging fuel prices, escalating food costs, and the overall impact of inflation.
The demonstration, joined by human rights activists under the #RevolutionNow movement demanded urgent government intervention to address the rising cost of living.
Despite warnings from the Ondo State Police Command against protests, participants marched through the streets chanting anti-government slogans, urging President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action.
One protest leader, Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, criticised the federal government for its inaction, stating, “Nigerians are both angry and hungry due to the poor economic policies of Tinubu’s government. The common man can no longer afford to feed well.”
While the protest proceeded, commercial activities in Akure remained largely unaffected, with businesses staying open. Security personnel monitored the situation, including members of the police and State Security Services.
Protesters expressed frustration over inconsistent fuel prices and called for measures to alleviate their hardships.
Their demands included lowering food prices, job creation for youths, and the implementation of free education. They vowed to continue their demonstrations until their grievances were addressed.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, had earlier cautioned against protests, emphasising the deployment of security operatives to maintain peace during the Independence Day celebrations.
…Tinubu promises relief amid economic hardship, calls for patience
President Bola Tinubu in his address, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but assured them that the reforms implemented by his administration are starting to yield positive results.
Speaking during a nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Tinubu expressed his understanding of the mounting pressures such as rising living costs and limited job opportunities.
“I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times,” he stated. “Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.”
“I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he asserted.
He urged states to join the federal government’s agricultural initiatives to improve local food production.
The President detailed ongoing projects, including the establishment of a local assembly plant for 2,000 John Deere tractors and other farm equipment, aimed at enhancing agricultural efficiency.
“We are playing our part by supplying fertiliser and making tractors and other farm equipment available,” he said.
Since taking office on May 29, 2022, Tinubu has spearheaded significant reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies, which has led petrol prices to surge from N194 to over N800 per litre, and the floating of the naira, resulting in its substantial depreciation and driving inflation to a multi-decade high of 33.4 percent in July.
While acknowledging the nation’s challenges, he emphasised the importance of recognising how far Nigeria has come since its turbulent past.
“We must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past,” he warned, insisting that these should not affect the country’s future.
Turning to security issues, Tinubu reported progress in combating terrorism and banditry.
“Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism,” he declared.
He detailed the elimination of over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders as part of his government’s concerted efforts to restore peace and stability.
On disaster preparedness, particularly regarding recent flooding, Tinubu revealed the government’s launch of a Disaster Relief Fund and integrity tests for all dams across the country to prevent future calamities.
The President also reflected on foreign investments attracted under his administration, citing over $30 billion in the past year alone. He emphasised ongoing fiscal reforms and a more disciplined approach to monetary policy aimed at stabilising the economy.
As part of engaging the youth, Tinubu announced a forthcoming National Youth Conference aimed at addressing critical issues affecting young Nigerians. This forum is designed to facilitate dialogue on education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.
…Jonathan advocates for stronger institutions to secure Nigeria’s future
Meanwhile, Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the strengthening of democratic institutions as essential for ensuring good governance and fostering national prosperity in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his X, formerly Twitter, handle to mark the country’s 64th Independence Day, Jonathan emphasised that the future of Nigeria hinges on the integrity of its institutions and the establishment of a democratic culture rooted in transparency, equity, and inclusion.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s progress since independence in 1960, Jonathan noted, “We have had sustained democracy in this 4th Republic for 25 years,” commending the nation’s ability to uphold democratic governance following decades of military rule.
However, he stressed that the current challenges—ranging from insecurity and economic instability to social divisions—can only be effectively addressed through robust institutions.
“For us to deepen the roots of our democracy and foster inclusive economic growth, we must strengthen our institutions and develop a good democratic culture that supports peaceful, transparent, free, and fair elections,” Jonathan stated.
He emphasised the importance of electoral integrity as a foundation for good governance, asserting that transparent elections are critical for building trust in leadership and promoting national unity.
