Osun Youths Protest High Cost of Living in Nigeria

The youths of the Nigerian state of Osun have taken to the streets of Osogbo to protest the high cost of living and the increasing economic hardship in the country.

The peaceful march, led by civil society organizations, took place on February 9, 2024.

The protesters, armed with placards bearing messages such as “change the unfavorable policies,” “Nigerians are suffering, we can’t cope again,” and “We are humans, stop mistreating the citizens,” called on the federal and state governments, as well as other stakeholders, to intervene and save the country from a potential collapse.

Despite the heavy presence of police operatives, the protesters assembled along MDS Road, Osogbo, early on Friday to make their voices heard.

Waheed Lawal, the chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, stated that the protest would continue until the Federal Government comes up with solutions to address the current economic hardship.

He emphasized that Nigerians deserve the best and that the government must work to improve their living conditions.

The protesters also highlighted the need for increased security in the face of rising insecurity and kidnapping incidents in the country.

They urged the government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to provide security for the lives and property of its citizens.

The Osun State Police Command had earlier issued a statement warning against any plans to hijack peaceful protests in the state, citing intelligence that criminal elements might attempt to cause chaos.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the protesting youths and whether it will take decisive action to address the high cost of living and economic hardship faced by the people of Nigeria.