June 12, a day set aside to celebrate Nigeria’s return to democracy, has once again become a platform for aggrieved citizens to voice their concerns.
In Lagos, members of the Take It Back Movement marched from Maryland to the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota. Upon arrival, and despite a heavy security presence, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, alongside other protesters, called on the government to urgently address the rising cost of living, fuel price hikes, the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, and the worsening insecurity across the country. Sanyaolu lamented the deteriorating state of public infrastructure, saying that before the current administration, Nigeria had a more functional healthcare and transportation system.
Another protester, Abasa Uloho, noted that security is a major benchmark for assessing any government. He questioned the lack of adequate funding for security agencies despite the billions of naira allocated to them.
Ayoyinka Oni added that the number of Nigerians living in poverty has risen sharply. He argued that with over 200 million people now living in extreme poverty, it is unsurprising that the country continues to grapple with rising insecurity — from petty criminals to kidnappers and terrorists. He criticized the government for allocating security resources to protect elites, while ordinary citizens remain exposed.
Oluwakemi Sherifat decried the state of electricity supply, saying that despite irregular power, electricity companies continue to demand exorbitant payments. She added that people are being silenced or arrested for speaking out. “We are being made to suffer, and it shouldn’t be this way. This is not what was promised to us during the election campaigns,” she said.
Another protester, Oluwatobi Bashorun, described the current hardship faced by Nigerians as unprecedented and called for immediate economic reforms.
Opeyemi Ogunlami demanded compensation for victims of demolitions, noting that over 15 people have died as a result, including a five-year-old child in Oworonshoki.
Gbenga Ayodele, an asthmatic patient, expressed deep concern about the rising cost of medication. He revealed that drugs that once cost ₦1,200 now go for as much as ₦12,000. “It’s really disheartening. If care is not taken, I may not last the next 10 years,” he said.
Samson Osinowo questioned the government’s priorities, saying there’s no point constructing good roads when citizens are hungry and can’t afford basic needs. He urged the government to focus on capital development that directly improves citizens’ lives.
Lawal Ekundayo said the protest served two purposes — to remind the government that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current leadership, and to inspire fellow citizens not to lose hope.
The organizers also used the occasion to honor the memory of late activist and human rights advocate, Adesina Ogunlana, who died in 2024. They paid tribute to his revolutionary spirit, describing him as indomitable and always in solidarity with the people.
As the nation reflects on the essence of June 12th, the protesters amplified their call for economic reforms and urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the challenges facing Nigerian citizens.
