ENDSARS
#EndSARS: Protesters launch helpline centre, online radio platform, ‘Soro Soke’
#EndSARS protesters have taken their resolve steps further by launching an online radio and a helpline centre.
The #EndSARS protesters calling for a total reform of the Nigerian Police Force have established a helpline centre and an online radio platform named ‘Soro Soke’
According to The Nation, the protesters said the helpline number is 01 700 1755.
READ: #EndSARS: Lagos sets up N200 million fund for victims of police brutality
A tweet from @fkabudu, a frontline protester, says, “For the users, these are the prompt numbers: Press 1 for medical. Press 2 for legal. Press 3 for food and supplies. Press 4, 5, or 6 for mental health emergencies.’’
It was learnt that the online radio platform that was launched by the protesters is to aid coordination of the #EndSARS protests nationwide through effective and timely communication.
READ: #EndSARS: 10 killed by Nigerian Police since start of protests – Amnesty International
The online radio, which is accessible via https://s4.radio.co/s99d55c85b/listen, has programmes and live reports of missing and found #EndSARS protesters, and other updates on the protests across the country.
“Soro Soke,” a Yoruba phrase, which translates as ‘Speak Up,’ has become a slogan for End SARS campaign in the past few days, after protesters in Lagos State urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ‘soro soke’ while he was addressing the youths. It asks Nigerians to speak up against bad governance and resist corruption.
The Twitter handle of the station, @Sorosoke247, reads, “24/7 update on all things protest. We are for a better nation powered by value for life and good governance.”
It was learnt that songs calling for a reformed Nigeria were also heard on the radio station.
Publisher of Ovations Dele Momodu and former Minister for Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and some other prominent Nigerians have shown support for the initiatives.
READ: #EndSARS: Nigerian Army set to commence Exercise Crocodile Smile VI
Oby Ezekwesili tweeted, “I heard our innovative young ones of the #EndSARS protests have just launched an online radio station? Wow! These ones na real Generation! #GenerationIncredibles.’
Backstory: The Nigerian youths have been carrying out #EndSARS protests across the country to press for the disbandment of the special anti-robbery squad, following human rights abuses, corruption and extra-judicial killings. They are also asking for a comprehensive reform of the Nigerian Police Force.
READ: #EndSARS: Popular hacking group, Anonymous allegedly hacks Nigerian Govt. websites
Despite government’s efforts in agreeing to their 5 points demand, which includes the disbandment of SARS and the setting up of a judicial commission of enquiry into some of these atrocities, the protesters still insist on going ahead with their action due to perceived lack of seriousness of the government and lack of trust.
What this means: This action shows the resolve of the protesters not to back down anytime soon as they hope to sustain this protest until they are assured of the government’s commitment to meeting their demands.
ENDSARS
#EndSARS Aftermath: World Bank supports Cross River with relief materials
Cross Rivers State has announced that it has received relief materials from the World Bank.
The World Bank has supported the Cross Rivers State with relief materials to cushion the effects on the destruction of properties in the state during the infamous #EndSARS protests which rocked the state and country simultaneously.
The disclosure was made by the State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation (MIDC), Dr Inyang Asibong as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
The support became necessary given the material destruction recorded in some parts of the state. Dr. Asibong stated that the state government through his Ministry had approached the World Bank to seek support, especially in the delivery units of the World Bank Assisted Programme COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES).
According to Dr. Asibong, two parastatals were severely affected in the state during the protests, namely; FADAMA and Enterprise Development Funding (EDF), with most of the items in the aforementioned agencies looted and vandalized by hoodlums.
In lieu of this, the support from World Bank will be pivotal to re-engineering and preparing members of staff to return to work, in preparation of the Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES).
What you should know
- Some of the items donated include furniture, 20-seater conference chairs, air conditioners and inverters, laptop computers and printers, virtual meeting equipment, hybrid inverter with solar among others.
- The platforms that will benefit from the equipment include; CSDA, the state coordinating unit, FADAMA, EDF, Smart City, Public Work Fare and the state Cash Transfer Unit.
What they are saying: Dr. Asibong said: “We know that the poverty index in Nigeria is 40.1 per cent and this is really high. Cross River is lower than the national average, 36.3 per cent, we want to further reduce that our percentage to at least a single digit.
“I want to thank the World Bank for coming to our aid at this point in time and we can assure them we will make the best use of these equipment.”
Commenting on the CARES initiative which the relief material is believed to facilitate, Dr. Asibong said, “The CARES is COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus of the government. It is going to be a state-owned project and Gov. Ben Ayade is so committed about improving the lives of residents in the state.”
On the other hand, the Acting General Manager of Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Mr Fidel Udie remarked that the donation confirmed the good working relationship between the state government and the World Bank.
Mr Udie stated that the donation would put the state in a good position to participate in the CARES programme. He said: ‘’This programme is basically meant to target the poor and vulnerable in the society. Gov. Ayade was able to follow up with the World Bank and here we have these equipment to help the delivery units to be ready for this programme.’’
ENDSARS
Nigeria is committed to security, fulfilling demands of #EndSARS youths in 2021 – Buhari
FG is committed to fulfilling the five demands of #EndSARS youths.
President Muhammadu Buhari has announced that his administration is committed to fulfilling the five demands of #EndSARS youths.
The President disclosed this in his New Year speech on Friday morning.
“Nigeria is a country on a difficult journey to nationhood and greatness. We are standing tall in the committee of nations as one country united under the will of God,” he said.
READ: We will pass PIB, Electoral Act before end of 2021- Senate President
He added that the past year had posed challenges, from security to economic issues, citing the #EndSARS protests which he said, “were mainly led by youths and served notice to the demand of police reforms and accountability.”
Buhari added that the FG was committed to fulfilling the demands of the protesters with renewed determination in 2021.
“This government heard, listened and committed to fulfilling the 5 demands of our youths fully understanding that we all wish well for Nigeria.
READ: The “EndSARS” protests and the problem of police reform in Nigeria
“In the midst of all these challenges, I initially pledged, that as your elected President, I would ensure that these ongoing challenges would be faced head on with renewed determination.
“Your voices have been heard, and we would continue to listen to you and all stakeholders who are committed to the unity of Nigeria to ensure that every region is safe for us all, while guaranteeing the future is also secure for the coming generations.”
Buhari said that Nigeria needed to secure the future of its youths, exhorting young Nigerians as global achievers.
READ: Unemployment rate: Worse days ahead if economic policies don’t improve – TUC
“I wish to also reaffirm my commitment to the people of Nigeria, especially the youth, who need our collective encouragement, and support, in securing this nation, we need to secure the future of our youth.
“Our young people, are the most valuable natural resource; their ingenuity, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit is evident to all.
“Many of our young people are excelling in various areas of life including sport, entertainment and ICT, commerce and are globally recognized as achievers.”
READ: Laliga clubs set for financial setback as government orders termination of betting sponsorships
Buhari said that the FG’s engagement with young Nigerians would turn their passion into ideas, from tech to entertainment.
“As government, we are committed to actively engaging with the creative energies of our young people. We will partner with legislature to develop an enabling environment to turn their passion into ideas that can be supported, groomed, and scaled across regions.
READ: President Buhari directs NASENI to deploy refurbished tractors to farmers
“This will create vast opportunities in fintech, agriculture, business process, startups and the entertainment industry,” he added.
Buhari said his administration would focus on delivering key strategic priorities under the areas of security, economy, and the anti-corruption agenda.
READ: Nigeria’s forex devaluation timeline – 2020
On security
The President said, “We would direct our attention and strength to reenergizing, reorganizing the security personnel of the armed forces and polices…to enhance capacity to engage, pushback and dismantle the operations of extremists and criminal groups.”
Buhari said insecurity was a challenge, with direct repercussions on nation economic sustainability, growth and development. He revealed that in parts of Nigeria where chronic poverty, social exclusion were already problems, Boko Haram had thwarted efforts of the FG to undertake social policy that could make a huge difference in the quality of life of citizens.
READ: Senate passes N13.5 trillion 2021 budget
“We recognize that we have to move to a more proactive stance, to ensure that this sort of traumatic incident, does not become a norm.
“The administration is fully aware of the responsibility to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, and we will not relent in learning and adapting to threats to national security.”
On anti-corruption
President Buhari stated that the nation had recorded gains and would be looking at reviewing laws to ensure a smooth prosecution process.
“On anti-corruption, we have recorded gains so far, and are committed to continuing on eradicating corruption through collaboration with all the arms of government to effectively prosecute this fight. We will also be looking at reviewing laws to ensure the fight to be more effective.”
On Covid-19 Vaccines
The President said that the FG was finalizing plans to procure and distribute vaccines effectively, but urged Nigerians to maintain social distance protocols.
“I urge you all to observe strict Covid-19 prevention protocols. My pledge to you is same as it has always been. I will play my part without fear; I invite all of us to do same. It is what we owe to the founding generations and also to the coming generation.”
ENDSARS
#EndSARS: Kwara Govt awards N181 million grant to business owners whose assets were looted
Governor Abdulrazaq has bailed out business owners whose businesses were destroyed during the #EndSARS protest.
The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has awarded a total grant of N180,775,000 to business owners whose wares and assets were looted by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protest.
This was revealed by the Governor in a press statement issued after the presentation of the grant to the affected business owners yesterday.
READ: Six Nigerians convicted in UAE for funding Boko Haram in 2019
Governor Abdulrahman explained that the total N180,775,000 grant awarded to the business owners was based on the recommendations of the independent adjuster/committee that was set up to assess the damage and propose interventions.
The Governor said:
- “We do not have the capacity to give them everything they have lost but the grants given are our token of support to encourage them not to give up.”
READ: #EndSARS: Popular hacking group, Anonymous allegedly hacks Nigerian Govt. websites
He explained that the Government cannot do everything, but emphasized the fact that Business owners are key in the current administration’s goal of evolving Kwara from a civil service state to an enterprising one.
In this vein, he disclosed that the current administration in Kwara State is always willing to help businesses of all sizes to thrive and will continue to support petty traders with micro-loans (Yoruba: Owo Isowo), as well as SMEs to make sure they continue to grow and create more jobs.
READ: Nigerian Governors who have tested positive for Coronavirus
Why this matters
The grant, however, will enable affected business owners to come out of the disruption caused to their businesses by the disheartening attacks, vandalism and looting by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protest which spiked civil unrest across the country.
The fund will help to prevent the closure of key businesses in the state, and get them back on their feet towards the path of growth and sustainable expansion.
READ: #EndSARS: Presidency to ensure that a repeat of protests does not happen
Today, we issued cheques to 48 business owners whose wares and assets were looted by hoodlums during the EndSARS protest. The total grants awarded to these businesses stood at N180,775,000 and… pic.twitter.com/Xm8FSeXG0T
— Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (@RealAARahman) December 17, 2020
Lisa
October 19, 2020 at 4:13 am
We should also cry out against hike in prices of commodities. A bag of Local rice sells for as high as 30,000. Even common salt is not common anymore.
We should also cry out against their exaggerated salaries and allowances.
They are bleeding Nigeria dry.
Carol
October 21, 2020 at 7:39 am
Please let’s restrategize on how to ensure this mission towards better governance is achieved. All there big salaries should be reviewed, let’s talk about the power sector, food is very very expensive including our Nigerian own rice, the citizens have no single practical right. Just is denied or completely perverted. Everything in Nigeria is not right. During the Covid-19 lockdown no single palliative for each citizen of this Nigeria I only heard news of palliative we never saw or got anything. Corruption in every level of government. Please we are tired, frustrated and many are gone into depression. Nigeria situation is in a sorry state who will bail us out of this 😭😭😭😭
Segun Sodimu
October 24, 2020 at 9:44 am
I think we are heading towards a solution. Let’s not relent in our agitation but we need to strategize towards 2030. We shouldn’t elect anyone above 55years into offices. I also think there’s need to reduce our highest currency to #200 or #100 because our money doesn’t have value again. #EndSars, Endpolice brutality, End bad governance.