Despite an early morning light rain, many residents of Osogbo took to the streets on Thursday for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, expressing their discontent with the poor state of the economy. The demonstration, part of a larger nationwide movement, saw determined protesters march through the city despite the inclement weather.
The protest began at Freedom Park, Osogbo, with participants assembling in the early hours of the morning. As the rain began to fall, the protesters, undeterred, started their march, moving through the popular MDS Road and heading towards Olaiya Junction, a major intersection in the city.
The demonstrators, waving placards and chanting slogans, were accompanied by armed security operatives who ensured the march remained peaceful. At Olaiya Junction, the protesters paused to address journalists, articulating their grievances and demands.
One of the protest leaders, Adewale Johnson, spoke passionately about the dire economic conditions facing many Nigerians. “We are here today because we can no longer endure the suffering and hardship inflicted upon us by bad governance. The cost of living is unbearable, unemployment is high, and basic amenities are lacking. We need urgent action from our leaders,” he said.
Another protester, Funmi Adegoke, highlighted the impact of the economic crisis on families. “Parents are struggling to feed their children, students can’t afford school fees, and businesses are collapsing. This is not the Nigeria we dream of. We are calling on the government to take immediate steps to address these issues and provide relief to the masses,” Adegoke stated.
The protest in Osogbo is part of a broader movement sweeping across Nigeria, as citizens in various states have taken to the streets to voice their frustration with the government’s handling of the economy. The nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests have seen significant participation, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
In response to the protests, local authorities have urged calm and promised to look into the demands of the protesters. The Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, issued a statement expressing his administration’s commitment to addressing the economic challenges. “We acknowledge the grievances of our people and are working tirelessly to implement policies that will alleviate their suffering. We call for patience and understanding as we navigate these difficult times,” the statement read.
As the march concluded, the protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until tangible changes are made. “This is just the beginning. We will not stop until our voices are heard and our demands met,” Johnson declared.
The peaceful protest in Osogbo underscores the determination of Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable and push for a better future, even in the face of adverse weather conditions and other challenges.
