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I’ve Already Told My Mom Bye, I’ve kerosene in pocket if I die no problem” – Protester

Published

9 months ago

August 3, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria have made a significant impact on the political landscape, marking the beginning of a crucial movement for change.

Amid the surge of demonstrations, one female protester made headlines with her powerful and defiant statement, reflecting the intense frustration felt by many Nigerians.

In a recent interview, the protester addressed the potential for violence from security forces, drawing a parallel to the brutal EndSARS protests that shook the nation in 2020. Her response was a testament to her unwavering resolve and desperation for change.

“That they will shoot at us? Are we living a life like this? We are already dead. Are we alive? People that died at the Lekki tollgate, are we better than them? We are not better than them,” she stated, highlighting the dire conditions she and others face.

Her words were filled with both anger and resignation. She revealed that she had taken an extreme measure in preparation for potential violence. “I’m not scared. Kerosene is inside my bag; if they shoot teargas, if they shoot guns, they don’t let me escape. I’ve already told my mother where I was going, and I’ve told them bye-bye,” she said. This dramatic declaration underscores the severity of her commitment to the protest and her willingness to confront the risks head-on.

The protester’s bold statement resonates with the broader sentiment of many Nigerians who feel trapped in a cycle of poor governance and systemic failure. The fear of a repeat of the violence seen during the EndSARS protests looms large, yet this has not deterred the participants from voicing their grievances. Her readiness to face the worst reflects a profound sense of hopelessness about their current situation and a determination to fight for a better future, regardless of the personal cost.

As the protests continue, this powerful message serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved and the deep-seated frustration driving the movement. The #EndBadGovernance protests have ignited a fervent call for reform, and stories like this one underscore the lengths to which individuals are willing to go in their quest for justice and accountability.

News

Tinubu to establish child protection, development agency

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2025

ADMIN

By Francesca Hangeior

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child, even as he said plans have been concluded to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency to coordinate all issues affecting Nigerian children in a unified and focused manner.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.

The event was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu said his administration is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.

“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.

“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.

“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.

“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.

He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.

“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.

Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.

“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.

“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio-emotional learning into our national curriculum.

“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.

News

Just In: JAMB releases 2025 UTME results, withholds 39,834 over misconduct

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Admin

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.

The board disclosed that it is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates over issues relating to examination irregularities.

Recall that over 1.9 million applicants participated in the just-concluded exercise.

JAMB also disclosed that 80 suspects across the country are currently under interrogation for examination fraud, with Anambra State leading the pack with 14 suspects.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated this on Friday while officially releasing the 2025 UTME.

He also disclosed that while 467 underage candidates met the prescribed minimum score, 50 were engaged in cheating scandal.

A press conference to this effect is ongoing.

Details coming…