The nationwide protest known as #FearlessInOctober has officially started in Osun State, drawing attention to the growing economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians.
The protest kicked off on Tuesday, October 1, in Osogbo, the state capital, beginning around 10:00 a.m.
Organized by the Coalition for Concerned Nigerians, the event has seen protesters come together to express their frustration with the current state of the nation.
Many participants carried banners and chanted anti-government slogans, calling for immediate action to address the hardships that citizens are facing.
The organizers have emphasized that this protest aims to demonstrate to all levels of government that the economic situation in the country has become unbearable for the average Nigerian.
Protesters initially gathered at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo before marching toward the Oke Fia area of the city.
The route chosen for the march was symbolic, as it allowed protesters to pass through key parts of the city, making their voices heard in a visible and impactful way.
Along the route, security personnel from the Nigerian Police, DSS, Civil Defence, NDLEA, and Correctional Service were deployed to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions.
Speaking to journalists, the protest coordinator, Adetunji Ajala, expressed the group’s disappointment with President Bola Tinubu and his administration.
He accused the government of ignoring the needs of the people, stating, “It is so sad that those in power do not pity the masses. They squander our resources and create policies that make life unbearable.”
Ajala stressed the importance of continued protests, insisting that the government must listen to the voices of the people. He declared, “Enough is enough.
Our demands from the #EndBadGovernance protest have not been met, and we will continue to protest as long as our voices are ignored.”
While the protest was taking place, it was noteworthy that many businesses in the area remained open, suggesting a sense of normalcy despite the demonstrations.
Shop owners and vendors went about their business as civil servants and students stayed home to observe the public holiday.
This mix of activity illustrated the complexity of the situation in Osun State, where the desire for change coexists with the need for daily economic activities.
As the protest unfolded, it became clear that this movement was not just a one-time event but part of a larger ongoing struggle for better governance and improved living conditions.
Many participants believe that their collective actions can lead to meaningful change and hope that their voices will finally be heard by those in power.
The #FearlessInOctober protest serves as a reminder of the growing discontent in Nigeria and the determination of its citizens to fight for their rights.
