Protesters in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, demonstrated on Tuesday to voice their concerns over the economic challenges currently affecting Nigeria.
The demonstrators urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his decision to eliminate fuel subsidies, which they believe has contributed to the escalating cost of living, particularly the rising food prices.
The protesters converged at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, a well-known location in the city, where participants began their march through key streets, including Oke-Fia, Dada Estate, and Dele Yes Sir. Their route led them along Oba Adesoji Aderemi Way and concluded at the Olaiya flyover junction.
Throughout the procession, protesters sang solidarity songs to reinforce their demands, while security personnel were present to maintain order and ensure public safety.
This protest comes in the wake of significant economic reforms initiated by President Tinubu, who has defended the removal of fuel subsidies as a necessary step for long-term economic growth.
In a televised address, he acknowledged the hardships that this decision has imposed on citizens but emphasized that it was essential for addressing decades of economic mismanagement and inefficiencies within the subsidy program.
Tinubu's administration has announced various bills aimed at alleviating the impact of these reforms on vulnerable populations. These include a $650 million aid package and plans to distribute essential goods such as grains and fertilizers to support households and farmers.
However, critics argue that the government should have implemented supportive measures prior to the subsidy removal to mitigate its immediate effects.
