Protests continue in Nigeria over the ongoing naira scarcity
In Lagos, Ogun State & more.
For the past few weeks, Nigeria has been grappling with the changes brought on by the introduction of new Naira notes into her economy. This has been increasingly difficult for the country’s citizens who already have a distrust of the banking system and have in some cases, opted to store their money in cash. In response to the new changes, many gruntled Nigerians have visited the banking halls across the country, demanding their way in to banks barely distributing the new legal tender. Videos have circulated online of this anger which is reverberating through different states in the country. Now after 3 weeks of outrageous 10% charges at Point of Sale (POS) machines, capped withdrawal amounts and exasperating queues at the ATM, Nigerians are once again fighting for their survival.
JUST IN: Civil unrest ongoing around Oke-Koto, Inwards Sofunde and Agbotikuyo between hoodlums in the area.
Advisory: Avoid the area until normalcy is restored. pic.twitter.com/d3Rajg0PKs
— Eons Intelligence (@eonsintelligenc) February 17, 2023
Alongside the unavailability of cash, Nigeria is also experiencing an extended period of fuel scarcity and with rumours of spiked prices at certain fuel stations, there is little resolve anywhere. The fuel scarcity which has been persistent for over four months, coupled with the ongoing cash scarcity leaves Nigerians more vulnerable than ever, as various means of livelihood are placed on hold and living standards worsened, despite the presidential election only 8 days away.
In response to the ongoing crisis, protests broke out in Ibadan, Oyo State a few weeks ago. Angry demonstrators took to the streets across the city and expressed their dissatisfaction with the closed banks and dearth of cash by destroying ATM’s and torching tyres on public roads. Amidst the chaos, President Buhari in a nationwide address on Thursday, stated that only the old N200 notes would be used as legal tender for the next 60 days – April 10, 2023.
While news of the protests began fizzling out during the week, this morning, the demonstrations have resumed in Ibadan, and have now spread to different states across the country. Now spreading to Lagos, Benin, Ogun and surrounding states, news of smaller pockets of protests have broken out on social media with worrying clips of the ensuing chaos and rubble. Across Mile 12, Ketu, Ojota and more, residents and motorists on commute hurriedly redirected their destinations as aggrieved Nigerians set fire across several parts of town including Iyana-Ipaja market.
In addition, protesters in Ikorodu have torn down some campaign posters while others block the roads, hindering citizens from movement around the affected areas. On Lagos-Ibadan expressway, protesters blocked the highway, burning tires and threatening violence. The unrest also continues to spread to other environs across Lagos including Surulere, Agege, Iyana-Iba and other parts of the state, as well as Rivers, Port Harcourt. Elsewhere in the South West, over in Sango area of Ogun state, market women begin an “anti-Buhari” protest as they continue facing the same issues.
PHOTO STORY: Market women stage anti-Buhari protest over rejection of old N1,000 banknote and scarcity of new Naira notes in Sango area of Ogun State, on Friday morning. pic.twitter.com/PYZArteU2S
— LEADERSHIP NEWS (@LeadershipNGA) February 17, 2023
This is a developing story and will be updated regularly.
ICYMI: EXPLAINED: NIGERIA IS EXPERIENCING NAIRA SCARCITY
Fanti Carnival Returns to Lagos This Easter with a Vibrant Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Culture
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the...
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the streets of Lagos Island alive with colour, music, and culture. With roots dating back to 1890, the Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant cultural traditions, celebrating the deep ties between Nigeria and Brazil through a dynamic fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and modern creativity.
This year’s edition is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Robert Taylor Media and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos. Together, they aim to honour the legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community in Lagos — descendants of formerly enslaved returnees who shaped the city’s culture, religion, and architecture.
The carnival procession will kick off at 12:00 PM, starting from Old Defence Road and will end at the JK Randle Centre, with accreditation beginning at 10:00 AM. Attendees can expect a stunning showcase of traditional costumes, Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, and performances from local creatives reinterpreting heritage for a new generation.
Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling pageantry, the live performances, or the chance to connect with a rich cultural history, the Fanti Carnival is an unmissable event this Easter.
Tickets are now available, and more information can be found via the official Fanti Carnival website or their social platforms.
Keep reading...
Vlisco’s “The Garden Of Sisterhood” Campaign Comes To Life in New “MAYANGA” Video
A celebration of creativity and cultural
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanying music video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.
In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion.
In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said.
Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.
View this post on Instagram
Keep reading...
NATIVE PREMIERE: Rigo Kamp Runs Ahead Of The Pack With The Visuals For “Marathon”
Rigo Kamp’s Marathon video is an intimate Afro-juju revival that pays homage to Sir Shina Peters and stamps...
Last Friday, Rigo Kamp, a NATIVE uNder alum and one of the architects of an equal parts nostalgic and refreshing sound released his self-titled debut EP, delivering a propulsive fusion of Alte, R&B, Funk, and Soul-infused rhythms.
Featuring previously released singles “Morning Sun” and “Summer”, the six-track eponymous EP executively produced by Odunsi The Engine sees Rigo lean heavily into his element as a sonic alchemist, jumping from silky falsettos to gritty grooves without losing an ounce of cohesion, and ultimately stamping the Abuja-born, Lagos-based singer-songwriter as a mad scientist of sound.
Just last November, Apple Music named Rigo Kamp as its Up Next artist, an acknowledgment that underscored his potential and confirmed what the tastemakers and underground scene already knew. Weeks later, he delivered an exhilarating live set for Spotify Fresh Finds in Lagos, proving he’s just as compelling live as he is in the studio.
On “Marathon”, the refreshing opener to the Rigo Kamp EP, Rigo borrows the bounce and swagger of Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters’ golden-era, fusing nostalgia with re-imagination to birth a vintage performance that feels like a private party for two, where it’s just Rigo, and you.
Get an exclusive first look at the video for Marathon here:
Listen to the Rigo Kamp EP:
Keep reading...
