News
High cost of living: Osun youths take to streets of Osogbo in protest
Young people in Osun State have organized a peaceful demonstration to express their dissatisfaction with the soaring prices of goods and services, as well as the increasing cost of living in the nation.
Led by leaders of civil society organizations in the state, the youth gathered in Osogbo on Friday to demand immediate intervention from the federal and state governments and other stakeholders to prevent the country from sliding into further crisis.
Despite the heavy presence of police officers near the protest site, the demonstrators congregated along MDS Road, Osogbo, early on Friday morning.
Addressing the protesters, who carried placards bearing various messages such as ‘Revise Unfavorable Policies’, ‘Nigerians are Suffering, We Can’t Endure Anymore’, and ‘Respect Our Rights as Citizens’, among others, Waheed Lawal, the chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, declared that the protest would persist until the federal government devises solutions to the ongoing economic hardship plaguing the nation.
Lawal emphasized, “The government must alleviate the people’s suffering. They must take necessary actions to ensure that citizens live in better conditions. Nigerians deserve better. We were promised a new beginning, but what we are experiencing now is renewed adversity. We reject this renewed hardship in our lives and economy because Nigerians deserve better.”
He continued, “What Nigerians desire is peace. We no longer want insecurity in our land. Traveling from Osogbo to Ibadan is fraught with anxiety. The spate of monarch abductions in our country is alarming. We urge the government to provide security for the lives and property of citizens, as it is their constitutional duty.”
“Any government that fails to safeguard the lives of its citizens ceases to be a government. Our message is clear: we are prepared to confront the government over this hardship, and we are in it for the long haul. Today marks the beginning of our struggle, and if the government ignores us, we will continue to mobilize our people to protest against this hardship because enough is enough.”
It is worth noting that the Osun State Police Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, cautioned against any attempts to hijack peaceful protests in the state. Opalola stated that the police had received intelligence indicating that some criminal elements aimed to exploit any peaceful protests to incite chaos in the state.
News
Isaac Boro Day: Presidential Amnesty Programme boss urges Niger Delta youths to shun violence
Chief Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has urged the youth of the Niger Delta to avoid violence as the region commemorates Isaac Boro Day.
Isaac Boro Day, observed annually on May 16, honors Major Isaac Adaka Boro, a prominent Ijaw freedom fighter who died in Okrika, Rivers State, while fighting for the Nigerian government during the Civil War.
Boro is celebrated as an Ijaw hero for his efforts to liberate the Ijaw people, including declaring the Niger Delta Republic and striving for better conditions from international oil companies.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro paid tribute to Boro on the 56th anniversary of his death, recognizing him for his vision and efforts to improve the living standards of the Ijaw people. He described Boro as a courageous, selfless fighter who promoted equality and justice.
Otuaro emphasized that Boro believed in a united, progressive Nigeria where equity and justice prevail, noting that Boro’s efforts were aimed at maintaining the country’s unity.
He stated that commemorating Boro Day is a significant way to honor Boro’s legacy of community service and coexistence. The establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Otuaro added, was a response to the advocacy by Niger Delta youths inspired by Boro’s principles.
Otuaro encouraged Ijaw and Niger Delta youths to celebrate Boro Day responsibly, upholding the ideals for which Boro is remembered. He remarked, “Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro is an Ijaw hero and icon of the Ijaw struggle. His 56th anniversary commemorates his bravery and courage.”
He noted that many youths are inspired by Boro’s struggle, a legacy reflected in the creation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Otuaro stressed the importance of peace and stability in the region to achieve the program’s objectives.
Otuaro also urged the youth to reject violence, embrace unity, and love one another. He highlighted that Boro fought for a strong, united Nigeria where the Ijaws could hold a place of pride, unlike some current youths who engage in divisive behavior.
News
Billionaire Kidnapper ‘Evans’ Seeks Plea Bargain
Convicted billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, and his co-accused Joseph Emeka, have requested a plea bargain in their high-profile kidnapping case.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, disclosed the plea bargain request to the court on Thursday during the case’s call for re-arraignment. The case is being heard by Justice Adenike Cokers of the Ikeja High Court.
Evans and Emeka were scheduled to be re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony to wit: kidnapping, and attempted murder.
Sule informed the court, “The case was for re-arraignment, but I am aware that the defendants have applied for a plea.”
The prosecutor also noted that the plea bargain terms are being reviewed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN).
News
Peruvian Gov’t Classifies Intersex, Transgender People As ‘Mentally Ill’
Peruvian Health Minister Cesar Vasquez has classified transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals as mentally ill.
On May 10, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Health Minister Cesar Vasquez, and Minister of Economy and Finance Arista Arbildo signed a decree. This decree states that transsexualism, dual-role transvestism, gender identity disorder in childhood, other gender identity disorders, and egodystonic sexual orientation are all categorized as mental health problems.
Cesar Vasquez explained that the decree was necessary for Peru’s public health services to ensure comprehensive medical attention for mental health issues.
The decree has sparked outrage among the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community, which has labeled it discriminatory.
A medical researcher at Lima’s Scientific University of the South noted that although the decree might have been well-intentioned, it shows a lack of understanding of complex LGBT issues and potentially opens the door to conversion therapy.
-
World News7 months ago
What we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
-
Sports7 months ago
LaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
-
World News7 months ago
Iran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
Tech7 months ago
Top 10 AI Skills to Learn in 2023
-
Entertainment7 months ago
BET Hip-Hop Awards: Black Sherif wins big as Burna Boy loses seven nominations
-
ICT8 months ago
Apple Bows To EU, Unveils iPhone With USB-C Charger
-
Entertainment7 months ago
‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o breaks up with boyfriend, Selema Masekela
-
World News7 months ago
Zelensky seeks defences for winter on visit to NATO