Aina Gold, a single mother participating in the #FearlessInOctober protest on Tuesday, expressed her struggles and the dire situation faced by many in Nigeria. Joining fellow demonstrators at Ikeja Underbridge during the 2024 Independence Day demonstrations, Aina voiced her frustrations about the worsening economic conditions.
“I am disappointed and unhappy with the life we are living. But I’m persevering; otherwise, I would have turned to prostitution for survival,” she lamented.
Aina highlighted the skyrocketing prices of basic goods, saying, “Gari, kulikuli, and sachet water are now very expensive. What is happening? This suffering is too much. We thought things would improve with our own man as President.”
Recalling the onset of her hardships, Aina mentioned the impact of the Naira redesign policy, stating, “We have been suffering since the days of ‘No Cash.’ Things were not this bad during COVID-19. Even during the ENDSARS protests, it wasn’t this terrible.”
The single mother, who has been raising her child alone since 2013, described the toll that inflation has taken on her ability to support her family: “This suffering is too much, and we are tired of persevering. I can no longer send money to my mother. Goods disappear as soon as you buy them.”
Aina, who once owned a large shop, now operates a makeshift stall. She reflected on the challenges she faces: “If I lacked discipline, I would have become a prostitute by now. The problem started during the ‘No Cash’ era, and it’s only gotten worse. There’s a lot more to say, but we’re tired.”
Her powerful testimony resonated with many at the protest, highlighting the urgent need for change in the country.