•Women protest
A group of women under the auspices of the “Voice of Women in Nigerian Leadership Initiative” trooped out in large numbers on Saturday to protest the economic hardship in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The women who converged at the Old Airport roundabout carried placards with various inscriptions to express their dissatisfaction over the economic meltdown in the country, which has caused inflation and untold hardship, reports Sunday Tribune.
The State Coordinator of the group, Mrs Lois Goyim, told newsmen that they converged at the roundabout to draw the attention of those in authority to their plight in the face of the economic hardship in the country, particularly the impact on women and children as primary carers and homemakers.
She strongly condemned the government’s attitude towards the unfortunate situation, adding that the government’s failure to control the escalating prices of essential commodities has led to hunger and starvation among the populace.
“In 2023, 50–60 per cent of our land in Nigeria was left uncultivated due to the fear of attacks by unknown gunmen. There were instances where farmers were forced to abandon their farms, particularly in Mangu and Bokkos of Plateau State, known for their agricultural productivity in crops like maize and potatoes. The recent civil unrest in these areas has further exacerbated the situation, leaving farmlands deserted and harvests destroyed,” she said.
Mrs Gotom further explained that the Voice of Women in Nigerian Leadership initiative, comprising women from various walks of life, aims to amplify ordinary Nigerians’ voices and address systemic power imbalances.
Mrs Gotom called upon President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, elected officials, and appointed leaders to take immediate action to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians, adding that women and children are suffering.
