On Thursday, a Nigerian protester, Benjamin Chijioke, joined many others in taking to the streets to protest against the worsening economic hardship and soaring cost of living in the country.
In an interview with Channels TV, Chijioke stated, “I’d rather die on the street than die at home. I can’t sit and watch my son’s future go to waste. I know my own future in Nigeria might be bleak, but I won’t allow my son’s to be squandered.”
Chijioke’s sentiments reflect the deep frustration and determination of many Nigerians who have resorted to street protests in an effort to demand change.
Speaking at the protest site in Lagos State, Chijioke mentioned that he traveled alone from Festac to Mile 2 to join the demonstration. He shared the struggles his family is facing due to the current economic situation, especially the impact on his talented 13-year-old son.
“My son is just 13 and already a programmer. Yet, I can’t even afford to buy data for him to continue learning. Paying his tuition fees, which run into millions of naira, is also beyond my reach. At 13, he can already program video games,” Chijioke lamented.
Other protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until President Bola Tinubu addresses their demands. They have called on the president to take immediate action, warning that protests will persist until their concerns are met.
In Abuja, the Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, voiced the frustration of the protesters, criticizing the government’s attempts to restrict demonstrations.
“The various court orders limiting protesters to specific locations are unacceptable. Our presence here today is a declaration that we have endured oppression for too long,” Adenola said.
He added, “We are telling President Bola Tinubu that unless our demands are met, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the president respond directly to our concerns. During the protests, he needs to be visible on the street as well.”
