June 12: Lagosians lament lingering economic hardship

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Residents in Lagos have expressed concern over the lingering hardship and hunger in the country, calling for government intervention to provide relief and better living conditions for citizens.

Despite a heavy presence of police and other security agencies, residents trooped out in large numbers on Obafemi Awolowo Road in Ikeja, the state capital, to commemorate June 12. They displayed placards expressing their expectations from the government in making the country better for all.

The protesters, who gathered as early as 7 a.m., demonstrated against what they described as gross inequality and a breakdown of law and order under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Several placards bore messages such as “Free All Protesters Now,” “Say No to Multiple Bills,” “Pay the Soldiers and Police Better,” and “Tinubu, We Are Hungry,” among others. The demonstrators voiced their grievances and hoped for a positive response from the government.

One of the protesters, who identified himself simply as Detoun, said living conditions under the current administration had worsened significantly compared to previous governments.

“The conditions have really gotten worse. We complained about the past government and expected something different under Tinubu, but things have gone really bad. Food prices have increased, electricity tariffs are up, and the cost of goods is unbearable. The government must do something—this is not sustainable,” he said.

They expressed hope that the Federal Government would heed their demands and take urgent steps to address the nation’s economic challenges.

The demonstrators called for genuine reforms aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and ensuring a more equitable society.