‘Independence Day not worth celebrating’ — youths protest economic hardship in Ibadan

Some young Nigerians took to the streets of Ibadan, Oyo state capital, on Independence Day to protest the economic hardship in the country.

The protest was organised by some civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the #EndBadGovernance movement.

The organisers said the demonstration is aimed at addressing grievances from the hike in fuel prices and the impact of inflation on the livelihoods of many Nigerians.

On Tuesday, protesters gathered at the Mokola roundabout area of Ibadan, bearing different placards with their requests to the government.

The protesters also chanted slogans and took turns to air their grievances on the government’s policies and actions.

Solomon Emiola, coordinator of the protest, said the nation’s 64th independence day anniversary is “not worth celebrating” due to the economic hardship in the country.

“We are here today in protest against hardship faced by Nigerians. We believe Independence is not worth celebrating considering the hardship faced by Nigerians,” he said.

“We hereby request for reversal on hiked price of petroleum, school fee of public universities, and electricity.

“While we also call on the government to find solutions to our refinery which has been abandoned by our government.”