In a bold display of public dissent, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Ibadan, Oyo State, defying prior police warnings to demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urgently address Nigeria’s deepening issues of insecurity, economic hardship, and pervasive hunger. The demonstrations, spanning key city locales like Mokola, Iwo Road, and Sango, showcased the populace’s growing impatience with the current administration’s handling of the nation’s crises.
Despite the Oyo State Police Command’s caution against unnotified public gatherings, citing potential hijack by malefactors, the peaceful protest proceeded, signaling a significant moment of collective outcry. According to a report by Leadership.ng, participants, predominantly youth, expressed their exasperation with Nigeria’s deteriorating state of affairs, emphasizing the dire need for immediate government intervention to halt the ongoing economic and security turmoil.
Armed with placards that bore messages like “Tinubu Must Address Insecurity,” “Hunger is Killing Us,” and “End Food Hike and Inflation,” the protesters highlighted the unbearable cost of living that has left many unable to afford basic necessities. Their march through Ibadan’s streets, filled with chants and songs of grievance, underscored the widespread dissatisfaction and desperation among the citizens.
This protest emerges amid Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, including kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks, further compounded by an unprecedented economic strain. The nation’s youth, in particular, have been vocal about their disillusionment, with many seeking to emigrate in search of better prospects abroad, a trend colloquially termed ‘Japa.’
The government’s recent policy shifts, notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Nigerian currency, have exacerbated inflation and economic hardship, prompting thousands to leave the country. The exodus is notably towards nations like Canada, the UK, Belgium, and Turkey, driven by the quest for a more promising future away from Nigeria’s mounting adversities.
Amid this backdrop, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also voiced its intention to launch nationwide protests and potentially an indefinite strike if the government fails to address the cost of living crisis and implement agreed-upon measures. This looming industrial action, coupled with the public’s protest, marks a critical juncture for Nigeria, as citizens and workers alike demand tangible change and accountability from President Tinubu’s administration.
