On the second day of the continuing nationwide protest, business and commercial activity largely resumed in parts of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, bringing with them a measure of relative tranquilly.
Protesters have behaved peacefully, and the city has stayed calm despite initial worries of violence and disruption.
Following their closure on the first day of the protest, a number of markets, stores, and other commercial places have returned, with some vendors and patrons carrying on with their regular activity.
Transport services have also partially resumed, with vehicles on the road and commuters going about their regular routines.
Protesters demanding good government, economic development, and an end to corruption have been marching through key avenues of the city, screaming slogans and holding placards.
However, the protesters have avoided disrupting business and commercial activity, instead focusing on disseminating their message and gaining public support.
Along with providing security and ensuring that the protests stay peaceful, the police and other security agencies have also been noticeable.
With a sense of relief, some locals who had first remained inside out of fear of violence have started to come outside.
Ibadan is relative calm contrasts with some other cities where rallies have descended into violence, leading to altercations between protesters and law enforcement.
Residents and stakeholders have praised the peaceful conduct of the protests in Ibadan, hoping that the government will listen to protesters’ requests and take immediate action to solve their problems.
Bottom Line
The success of the protests will ultimately depend on the government’s willingness to listen to the people’s demands and implement meaningful reforms.
The protesters in Ibadan have also set a commendable example by conducting themselves peacefully, allowing a balance between expressing pain and maintaining public order.
