Amid nationwide protests against the high cost of living, Benjamin Chijioke, one of many Nigerians who took to the streets on Thursday, voiced his determination to continue demonstrating. “I’d rather die on the street than die at home. I can’t sit and watch the future of my son go to waste,” Chijioke told a Channels TV reporter. “I know I may not have a future again in Nigeria, but my son’s future will not be wasted.”
Chijioke’s sentiments reflect the desperation of many Nigerians facing economic hardship. He shared his personal struggles, revealing that he traveled alone from Festac to Mile 2 in Lagos State to join the protest. He described how the current economic situation is affecting his family, especially his 13-year-old son, a talented programmer. “My son at 13 is a programmer. I can’t even buy data for him to learn more. I can’t even pay for tuition fees; millions of naira. At 13, he can program video games,” Chijioke said.
The protests erupted in response to worsening economic conditions, with demonstrators demanding immediate action from President Bola Tinubu. Many protesters declared that they would continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.
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Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, echoed Chijioke’s frustrations during a press conference in Abuja. He criticized court orders restricting protests and emphasized the long-standing oppression faced by Nigerians. “Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long,” Adenola stated. “We are saying to the president that unless President Bola Tinubu accedes to our demands, we will remain on the streets. We want to see the president on the street.”
Adenola highlighted the determination of the protesters, recalling how President Tinubu himself participated in protests before assuming office. “During the protest, he was on the street,” Adenola said, calling on the president to engage directly with the demonstrators.
As the protests continue, the resolve of individuals like Chijioke underscores the broader discontent among Nigerians. Their willingness to risk their lives for a better future highlights the urgent need for government action to address the country’s economic challenges.