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The October 1 protest is gaining momentum in Lagos State as protesters hit the streets in continuation of the #EndBadGovernance demonstration which held for 10 days in August.
The ongoing protest tagged #FearlessInOctober is organised by the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens and supported by members of the Take it Back Movement to demonstrate Nigerians’ displeasure with the worsening economic situation in the country.
One of the key organisers, Omoyele Sowore, has joined the protest in Lagos.
While addressing journalists in Ikeja, Sowore described the demonstration as a crucial step towards taking Nigeria to the “promised land.”
He said it’s high time Nigerians gained independence from the ruling class, saying the youths have given them enough time to rule, and instead of working for the country, they put the nation in darkness.
“This is one of the actions that will take us to the promised land. We did it in August and today is a symbolic day to reject their own independence as we want our independence.
“Have we not tried enough? We have no time left. We gave more time, look at what Buhari did with more time. We gave them more time they bought themselves a private jet, we gave them more time, they bought a new house, they increased fuel price. We gave him more time they put us in darkness.
“We gave them more time they gave us minimum wage and gave themselves a maximum wage. Let them resign, that is how we will know they actually understand how people feel this time around,” he said.
While Kano residents shunned the protest, the demonstration has kicked off at Freedom Park in Osun and Pleasure Park in Rivers State as youths trooped out demanding good governance.
However, the protest is being monitored by security operatives to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
NANS calls for campus security, unity amidst independence celebrations
Elsewhere, the The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has praised the Federal Government for introducing the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and distributing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to Nigerian campuses.
This was announced by NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, during a solidarity march in Abuja on Nigeria's 64th Independence Day.
Emonefe expressed appreciation for the government’s initiatives aimed at improving student welfare, particularly the CNG buses, which are expected to ease transportation for students across campuses.
He also acknowledged the student loan scheme as a significant step towards empowering Nigerian students.
"We are committed to supporting the Federal Government and praying for the success of the Bola Tinubu Administration,” Emonefe said, emphasising NANS’s disapproval of any attempts to destabilise the country.
Reflecting on the significance of Independence Day, Emonefe highlighted the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s forefathers in the fight against colonialism, urging citizens to value the country's independence.
“Many Nigerians take their independence for granted, forgetting the hardships endured by our grandfathers under colonialism,” he remarked.
Emonefe called for unity and support for Nigeria's leaders, stating that true patriotism involves standing by leaders even while expressing concerns over specific policies. He also revealed plans for a nationwide campaign to promote patriotism among students.