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‘Agbado’, ‘Amala’, Hunger: Govt officials panic over planned nationwide protest
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Amidst increasing hardship, unavailability of ‘agbado’, amala as promised during campay, some Nigerian youths are planning nationwide protests from August 1-10, 2024.
The protest, gaining momentum in the North and other states, is aimed at drawing the attention of the government to the plight of Nigerians.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed fuel subsidy in May 2023, the country has faced economic hardship, prompting calls for policy reversals believed to be causing the distress.
However, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has been actively promoting the protest on social media, emphasizing that a revolution is imminent with his slogan, “Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come” #RevolutionNOW.
Sowore wrote: “The REVOLUTION is now knocking on our doors! #RevolutionNow. Let everyone rise all at once in August 2024! Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. They asked for a revolution and it is here now! @officialABAT once asked for a revolution, even @MBuhari once asked for a revolution and Nigerians now want a real revolution.”
A flyer circulating on social media titled “End Bad Governance in Nigeria 2024” by anonymous groups attributed the planned protest to ten government policies they claim have imposed undue hardship on Nigerians.
The groups demand the government end the “subsidy scam,” revert fuel prices to below N300 per liter, restore previous tertiary education fees, make electricity tariffs affordable, reduce import duties, and disclose and reduce lawmakers’ salaries and allowances, among other reforms.
The Nigeria Police Force is reportedly planning to halt the protest.
An internal memo, dated July 8 and circulated to zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, urged proactive measures, including mobilizing equipped personnel and working with other agencies to disperse unlawful gatherings.
Popular social commentator and investigative journalist @PIDOMNIGERIA shared the leaked memo on his verified X handle, noting that the planned protest has instilled fear among public officials, particularly lawmakers.
The Nigerian Senate recently debated their concerns about potential attacks from angry citizens facing severe hardship.
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan warned that Nigerians’ patience is running out, urging immediate action to address food insecurity and economic challenges.
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to avoid certain routes in the FCT.
He recounted his encounter with protesters in Wuse 2 who allowed him to pass but might not extend the same courtesy to Akpabio.
Labour Party chieftain Mr. Kayode Oyeniran expressed concern that if the protest proceeds, government officials might need to hide.
He revealed that Nigerians are angry over lawmakers’ high salaries and allowances.
He told Daily Post in an interview:
“If the protest is allowed to hold, government officials may have to find where they will hide themselves.
“The truth is that Nigerians are angry. For the past few months now, there has been debates on the salaries and allowances of the Federal lawmakers.
“I don’t know how much they earn but the way it is painted in public, many Nigerians now see them as their number one enemies.
“It is my prayer that the organizers find other means of expressing their grievances. It must not always be a protest. You see what is happening in Kenya?
“Both the government and the protesters are having a bad time. Protests most times make things worse”
“Sometimes you can’t blame these people. They have had enough and have been patient enough.
“Since 2023, the government has only been making promises. The Port Harcourt refinery that they said would work last year December, I don’t think it is functioning now.
“They said when the CNG vehicles are rolled out, prices of goods will crash, where are the vehicles? How long would Nigerians wait? People are suffering.
“People have come to a level where they are no longer afraid of anything. If you stay back, you may die of hunger and if you protest you may die, so they will tell you that it is better to protest and die. We have never had it like this”
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FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.
This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.
Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”
This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.
Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.
Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”
Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.
FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.
About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.
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Afenifere demands concrete action from S’West governors on banditry
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.
Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,
PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.
The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.
“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.
“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.
It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.
“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”
Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.
While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.
It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”
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