The #EndGovernment protest in Ojota, Lagos, has entered its third day with a noticeable increase in participation, as crowds continue to swell.
Protesters are voicing their frustration over the dire economic conditions and perceived governmental neglect.
In a video released by The Guardian, an elderly protester, who identified herself as over 70 years old, expressing deep dissatisfaction, lamented, “Give us peace, give us an enabling environment so we can survive.”
The protester, visibly struggling with hunger and high living costs, shared her personal hardship, stating, “As of this morning, I have not eaten anything because I sent people to buy something for me and they couldn’t get anything. Things are very expensive, and it’s so unfortunate.”
The demonstrators, including the elderly, are also critiquing the current employment landscape, highlighting issues of gender bias, political favoritism, tribal and religious divisions.
She further express her concerns, “Employment is about gender, political connection, age, tribal and religious differences. For how long are we going to continue like this? They expect our children to feed us during old age, and this is the way I am, and I am here.”
While addressing the recently increased minimum wage, the protester questioned its adequacy in the face of soaring living costs. She remarked, “What do people want to buy with ₦70,000 in this present economy? Rice is not achievable, garri is not.”
She concluded her remarks by calling for a fundamental change, urging, “Let them leave us in an enabling environment.” The ongoing protests reflect a broader discontent with the government’s handling of economic and social issues.
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