Once again, residents of Osun State have taken to the streets of Osogbo as part of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.
On the second day of the protest, demonstrators gathered en masse in Osogbo to emphasize their demands to the government.
The protesters are resolute in their stance that they will not cease their efforts until their grievances are addressed by the authorities.
Expressing disappointment, they mentioned that despite voicing their concerns extensively the previous day, the government chose to ignore their pleas.
Recall that on Thursday, protesters made their presence known on the streets, highlighting issues of hunger and general hardship plaguing the nation.
Under the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, the protesters marched through key areas of the capital, commencing from the renowned Freedom Park.
The protest procession advanced to Olaiya Junction, proceeding along the Gbongan-Ibadan road towards the Osun State House of Assembly premises.
Solidarity demonstrations also took place in Ile-Ife, where participants sang unity songs and displayed banners conveying various messages.
They urged the Federal Government to tackle the myriad challenges confronting the nation.
Noteworthy inscriptions on their banners and placards included demands such as “Immediate implementation of food price control,” “Revert fuel prices to pre-May 29, 2023 rates,” and “Local Government is pivotal to national and economic development.”
On Friday, protesters moved from Old Garage to Olaiya Junction under the watchful eye of security officials to prevent any form of disorder.
Addressing the gathering, Ajala Adetunji, the coordinator of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, advocated for a corruption-free subsidy system reinstatement to alleviate hunger, starvation, and multifaceted poverty.
Adetunji emphasized the shared plight of Nigerians due to prevailing hunger, poverty, and unfavorable policies.
He reiterated the importance of citizens’ rights and the obligation to speak out against societal challenges, irrespective of political affiliations.
Furthermore, Emmanuel Olowu, Chairman of the Committee for Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), called for a comprehensive probe into past and present leaders who embezzled public funds, proposing that the recovered funds be allocated to vital sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Olowu urged the government to prioritize investments in public works and industrialization to bolster youth employment opportunities.
He stressed the need for educational investments and advocated for grant-based assistance for students, along with promoting free and compulsory education nationwide.
Amid the peaceful demonstrations, security personnel were present to ensure the safety of lives and properties in Osun State.