On Wednesday, a group of concerned Nigerians took to the streets of Sagamu in Ogun State to voice their grievances against the rising cost of living under President Tinubu’s APC government.
The demonstrators, who marched through Makun road to the palace of Akarigbo of Remo land, carried placards and sang solidarity songs.
They demanded an immediate action to alleviate the economic hardships facing the people.
Many of the protesters called for an enhancement of social welfare interventions, emphasizing that the government must do more to address the increasing poverty levels.
According to viral videos circulating online, the residents, young people, and even market women expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts in alleviating poverty and controlling the surge in prices of essential goods.
A source within the Awolowo Market revealed that the protest was organized by fish traders from various markets in Sagamu, who were particularly concerned about the skyrocketing prices of fish.
They also highlighted the substantial increases in food and commodity prices, which seemed to be disproportionately affecting Sagamu residents.
One of the protesters, a market woman, passionately conveyed the frustration of many, saying, “The way they are adding everything to something is too much… What is happening?
“This is Sagamu right now. Titus is now two thousand Naira, while Sawa is one thousand Naira.
“Is that not too much? We are not doing this for ourselves; it is not as if we cannot buy it, we are protesting so that the prices can be reduced.
“Won’t the people eat? Imagine not being able to cook a pot of soup with two thousand Naira.
“A fish bought for N1,200 naira has suddenly become N1,800 naira”.
Deji Soyemi, who is a cold room business operator also expressed concern about the increase in fish prices, pointing out that “ for instance a carton that sold for 10,000 naira might now cost 15,000 in just two days.
The protest in Sagamu serves as a poignant reminder of the economic challenges faced by Nigerians and their growing impatience with the current state of affairs.
