By Adeyinka Adeniran
As the nationwide protests enter its second day, activities improved across different parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city on Friday.
Although the two groups carrying out the protests across Ibadan enter the streets in continuation of their march, residents showed more resolve by going about their lawful businesses.
Corenews reports that, two different groups kickstarted the protest on Thursday, August 1, by taking to the street in peaceful protest across major parts of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital city
While a group was a coalition of interest bodies under the aegis of “Oyo State Coalition Against Hardship”, the other group operated under the name “Take it back Movement”.
Both groups also hit the street on Friday in continuation of their effort. There was a slight decline in the number of the protesters who engaged in the protest march from both groups.
The “Oyo State Coalition Against Hardship” group who assembled and took off at University of Ibadan (UI) Gate went through Orogun, down to Ojoo before terminating at UI where they dispersed for the day and announced a continuation of the protest on Monday.
As they moved across the road, singing solidarity songs, peaceful on a side of the road, vehicular movement were diverted to other side of the road.
Some shop owners who were on standby also cheer and chant with them as the protesters walked past. Some residents also offers the protesters some water, drink and snacks.
Also, the “Take it back Movement”, whose rendezvous has been the Rose Wale Petroleum Station, Iwo Road, headed towards Challenge
However, more business owners opened shop as early as 8AM while some others who opened only display few stock.
Petrol stations also opened for business and sold the product freely.
There was also an increased vehicular movements on the roads as commercial cabs and motorcycles operators were also out for business in their good numbers.
Major inter state motor parks and garages were also active and fully functional. Numbers of travellers was also observed to be higher than what was obtainable on the first day of the protest.
There were security operatives who were visible at different locations across the capital city. Combined security operatives were also seen on patrol across the city.
For the second day, Oyo State government Secretariat was also opened. A few offices were also opened within the Secretariat, indicating that some workers might have reported for duty.
