PHOTO STORY: Hawkers ‘cashing out’ during hunger protest in Lagos

Alongside chants of protest, announcements of “buy your fresh Gala here” and “there is cold bottled water and drinks” filled the air during the hunger demonstration in Lagos state.

The nationwide protest is a call for the government to end “bad governance” and address economic hardship in the country.

On August 1, young Nigerians converged in different parts of the country, marching across the streets, carrying placards, and making their demands known to the government.

In Lagos, the protesters converged at Gani Fawemi Park, Ojota.

Amid the rally and fiery speeches, a group of participants played dual roles. They were street hawkers who continued their trade while joining the procession, calling for better governance and an end to hunger.

Sausage rolls, cold drinks, bottled and sachet water, ice cream, puff puff, groundnuts, cheese balls, and cooked maize, popularly known as ‘agbado’, were among the food items that the street hawkers displayed for sale within the protest area. At least, the protesters needed something to energise their bodies as the demonstrations intensified.

Below are photos of some of the hawkers captured at the Ojota protest ground.