A wave of protest swept through Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Monday, as citizens expressed their frustrations over the economic challenges stemming from the policies of President Bola Tinubu.
The demonstrators, predominantly youths, took to the streets, blocking major thoroughfares to highlight the escalating cost of living nationwide. They demanded urgent government action to alleviate the prevailing hardships.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters brandished placards bearing messages such as ‘Open Border, End Hardship’, ‘End food hike and inflation’, ‘The poor are starving’, and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises’, among others.
This protest echoes similar demonstrations in Minna, the capital of Niger State, where hundreds of women and youths converged to protest the soaring cost of living just two weeks ago.
The country’s food inflation rate surged from 33.93% in December to 35.41% in January, reflecting the intensified economic strain on citizens. Basic commodities have witnessed significant price hikes, with essentials like bread, eggs, rice, beans, vegetable oil, and garri experiencing remarkable cost increments.
Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, acknowledged the prevailing challenges in a recent Instagram post, urging Nigerians to endure the hardships while expressing hope for a better future. He emphasised the necessity of enduring present difficulties to achieve a brighter tomorrow.
Similarly, comedian Seyi Law, underscored the importance of optimism amidst economic adversities, likening the nation’s current predicament to the biblical wilderness journey of the Israelites. He pledged his support for President Tinubu, stressing the need for perseverance towards a better future.
President Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy on petrol during his inauguration on May 29 has contributed to the hardships experienced by many Nigerians, exacerbating the rise in prices of essential goods and services.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, voices of optimism and resilience resonate, urging citizens to navigate through the present difficulties with the hope of a prosperous future.
