OAU Students Urge Federal Government to Tackle Hardship and Insecurity
The Students Representative Council (SRC) of Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union has issued a stern condemnation of the prevailing economic hardship and escalating insecurity plaguing the nation. In a statement released from the campus in Ile-Ife, the SRC urgently called upon the Federal Government to address these pressing challenges.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Economic Hardship Takes Its Toll
The harsh economic situation in Nigeria has exacted a heavy toll on citizens, particularly since the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023. The subsequent surge in petrol pump prices—from approximately N200 to over N600—has exacerbated the financial strain faced by Nigerians. The persistent depreciation of the naira against the dollar has further fueled inflation, impacting the cost of essential goods and services. Many Nigerians find themselves grappling with an unbearable cost of living, struggling to afford basic necessities.
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A Temporary Response to Food Crisis
In response to the nation’s deepening food crisis and the escalating prices of commodities, President Tinubu took decisive action on February 8, 2024. He ordered the release of 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. This measure aims to alleviate immediate food shortages and mitigate the impact of rising prices on vulnerable populations.
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Insecurity Reaches Unprecedented Levels
The students’ statement also highlighted the alarming surge in insecurity across the country. Cases of kidnapping and banditry have reached unprecedented levels, instilling fear and apprehension in the hearts of citizens. The government’s failure to prioritize the safety and security of its people is deemed utterly unacceptable by the SRC. Nigerians are demanding urgent action to address this crisis and restore a sense of safety and stability.
As the economic downturn persists and insecurity escalates, the OAU students’ call for immediate intervention underscores the urgency of the situation. The nation’s leaders must rise to the occasion, demonstrating competence and commitment to the well-being of its citizens. Failure to do so is no longer tolerable.
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