As the ENDSARS protests entered a new phase calling for systemic reform of the Nigerian Police, artists from Nigeria and around the world have raised their voices in support.
Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa was among the teeming youths that locked down Challenge area of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State on Friday 16th October as the widespread protest against Police brutality by Nigerian youths continued.
The Ibadan born popular Fuji act who came from Lagos to join other youths said while speaking with PMParrot during the rally that the protest is a sign that the country’s massive young population is now finding its voice and demanding reforms in country, which has been characterized by poor governance since its independence 60 years ago.
“I am happy joining other youths, we are protesting for them to put an end to police brutality, it’s way beyond just ending SARS. Even after they have announced it, there are several other things we are talking about,” said Saheed Osupa.
Some of the demonstrators stand atop vehicles and shouted slogans as others carried banners while blocking roads leading to Lagos from Challenge/Ring Road axis of the area which led to traffic gridlock for several hours.
Among the protesters who spoke with PMParrot included Adebusoye Ajiboye Austin, a site engineer and a graduate of Building Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti lamented how he had suffered unjust arrests from the SARS men and had to cough-out huge sums before he could be released from their custody.
Also lending his voice was Tope Adeloye, a barbing salon owner around Challenge Elewura area who said “there are things that worry Nigerian youths that need to be addressed. It’s about changing the country’s structure, we have gone through a lot; yet, we still complain about light. I used to run a generating set for six to seven hours a day in my shop. Help us fix this nation”.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri
