Nigerians had a lot to talk about this year. The year, some say, is arguably one of the most eventful, unpredictable and challenging for not only Nigerians but the world at large.
There were a number of events that affected the most vibrant sectors of the country - the obvious are the economy, politics and security.
The most remarkable highlight of the year, however, was the effective use of social media by the youths to drive home demands.
The term ‘Soro Soke’ meaning ‘Speak up’ in the Yoruba language became prominent. It was a reflection of how individuals came together to freely discuss issues plaguing the country.
As we wrap up the year, Team MyNigeria has compiled a list of some of the most talked-about topics of the year.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus became one of the most talked-about subject this year after 22 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus on March 29. So far, the country has recorded 78,434 total cases, with 68,303 cases recovering, and 1,221 deaths.
The country was locked down for months, with social distancing measures put in place to curb the further spread of the virus.
For the first time number of coronavirus cases in Nigeria have passed 1000 in a day. Yesterday recorded 1145. Stay safe!
— Abdulbaki Jari (@Bahaushee) December 17, 2020
I am extending the mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 till the end of March 2021, bearing in mind the new surge in the number of cases, and the bid for vaccines.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) December 22, 2020
End SARS Protest
The nationwide protest named #EndSars was held by millions of Nigerians to voice out their displeasure over police brutality within the country.
This follows the continuous acts of violence, sexual assault, extortion and kidnapping by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protest gained international recognition, and the unit was disbanded.
The protest, however, turned soar after some protesters were shot by members of the military at Lekki TollGate. Amnesty International said more than 70 peaceful protesters lost their lives on the day contrary to reports from the Lagos State Government.
It’s exactly 2 months since fire was opened at peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll. Not sure where we go from here or if people will ever get justice but we should never forget 20.10.20. #LekkiMassacre
— Moe (@Mochievous) December 20, 2020
Video Verified With @Google Geolocation and Time Stamp Showing #EndSARS Protester Killed By Government Forces at Lekki. Note the Metadata on The Right. Lai Mohammed makes a mockery of his government by denying #LekkiMassacre of unarmed, peaceful protesters occurred pic.twitter.com/CmJK2MKvAv
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) November 24, 2020
#BREAKING: The #Nigerian army has admitted to possessing live ammunition at the Lekki Toll Gate #EndSARS protest last month. This massacre of peaceful protesters claimed many lives — watch as thousands of Nigerians mourn for those lost. #LekkiMassacre pic.twitter.com/9JNIgGJTGC
— Prof. Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) November 21, 2020
Boko Haram and insecurity
Boko Haram, the terrorist organization based in NorthEastern Nigeria has over the years played a major role in Nigeria’s state of insecurity.
According to the Council of Foreign Relations, the terrorist group has killed more than 37,500 Nigerians since May 2011, and are responsible for nearly 244,000 estimated number of Nigerian refugees.
The group is noted for launching deadly suicide attacks and abducting civilians, mostly women and children.
Apart from Boko Haram, there are cult groups, armed robbers and kidnappers, and Fulani herdsmen contributing to the state of insecurity in the country.
This too is nigeria, boko Haram dealing with the so called army. End nigeria now to save humanity. pic.twitter.com/eOzNZjPMtp
— @ KingAchu 20 (@Kingachu2) December 14, 2020
Nigerians are anxiously waiting news about 337 students who went missing after extremist group Boko Haram claimed to have kidnapped them.
— Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) December 16, 2020
So far, at least 15 students were rescued, an official said pic.twitter.com/Bd5mDSw7eW
Another mayhem committed by Fulani herdsmen, This man was killed by Fulani herdsmen at Achina in Oji river LGA Should the world wait still we are all killed? #christianlifematter in Nigeria #fbiafra @UN @realDonaldTrump @BorisJohnson @StateDept pic.twitter.com/JzU63mQF8R
— Mazi Chukwuemeka Kingsley (@OkogbueKingsley) June 30, 2020
Killing of christians in the Eastern part of zoo Nigeria (Biafra) by the fulani herdsmen terrorist is getting out of hand. Biafra land is under siege ???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/GYlgwOvj3p
— okwu power (@okwupower555) May 26, 2020
A ‘dead’ Nigerian government
Most Nigerians have expressed a lack of hope towards the Buhari-led administration. According to them, the government is corrupt and ineffective.
On February 26, 2019, Muhammadu Buhari was re-elected for the second time to serve as the president of the nation, but Nigerians are quite unhappy about the way he is running the country today.
His slow response to the EndSARS protest in a way that did not serve national interest was the last straw for most citizens.
There have been calls for his resignation by the likes of Senator Abaribe, Uche Secondus etc. #BuhariMustResign was also trending on social media platforms, as most Nigerians wanted him to step down as president of the nation.
After hearing Buhari’s nonsense speech I decided to drop this video ????????????????????????? if persuasion fails force must be applied ???????? arise Nigeria youth and fight for your rights ???????????????????????? #BuhariMustResign #EndsSARS #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigera pic.twitter.com/TIwxYVRj2w
— Ruthacia?????? (@RuthyBeauty2) October 22, 2020
Rtd Major General Buhari @MBuhari is incompetent, clueless, corrupt, inept and a failure #ICCIF pic.twitter.com/BVR2L9lhqn
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) February 13, 2020
The frustration is expanding and Nigerians are starting to speak up.#Okadabanon#okadaban pic.twitter.com/A0q8CFIe0G— Comrade?? - #HardTruth (@iAGB4REAL) February 3, 2020
I am not the one that said Buhari is an incompetent president.
Draconian laws in Northern Nigeria
The Shari’a law, which is being practised by 12 states in Nigeria, acts as a code for living which must be obeyed by most Muslims.
However, its application has raised some human right concerns.
Culprits or people who have been found on the other side of the law are either sentenced to death by hanging, flogged, or sentenced to amputation, among others.
This year, Nigerians in the Southern parts of the country and other parts of the world are widely speaking up about the draconian nature of the law, and why it should be scrapped out entirely or reformed.
Can someone please tell me how many rapists have been sentenced to death by sharia courts in Nigeria? Or how many corrupt politicians have been sentenced to death?
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) August 11, 2020
What did the sharia courts in Kano do when @GovUmarGanduje was filmed allegedly collecting bribe?
Munafukan banza!
BREAKING: The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, says it will offer free legal representation to the Kano singer, Yahaya Sharif, sentenced to death for blasphemy by an upper Sharia court in Kano.
— Ayemojubar (@ayemojubar) September 2, 2020
The people who are quick to jump on any issue that has to do with Pastors are suddenly quiet about the innocent man that has been sentenced to death in Kano because of Blasphemy.
— Man of Letters. (@Letter_to_Jack) August 10, 2020
Why am I angry today?
— SF • #EndSARS (@segunfamisa) August 11, 2020
- I'm angry that someone was sentenced to death in Kano for "blasphemy" in big 2020.
- I'm angry that people who are educated on this Twitter are clamouring for that sentence to hold, because the religion allows it.
Just a reminder that the 22 year old singer Yahaya Shariff Aminu is still sentenced to death. The best time to overturn that judgment was yesterday but today is a good day to do the responsible thing and overturn it #FreeYahayaShariffAminu https://t.co/iaXAKF7pFF pic.twitter.com/pSdNTelIK3
— Fakhrriyyah (@FakhuusHashim) August 20, 2020
Burna Boy grabs second Grammy nomination
Burna Boy grabbed a second Grammy nomination thanks to his “Twice As Tall” album. He became the first Nigerian artist to be nominated for the Academy award back-to-back.
The feat was applauded by his fans and industry players.
Sincerely Burna boy made Grammy dreams for upcoming Nigerian artiste more achievable!!
— An Igbo Man (@xlasxic) December 19, 2020
2x times Grammy nominee w/o gumbody, mans carried the entire music industry 2020, delivered a 10/10 album with ease. If you’re looking for slanders to run, it can’t be burnaboy. He’s easily the hottest in your music industry atm
— Loladè (@Lolade4PF) December 18, 2020
@burnaboy was intentional about grammy when he made Twice as Tall, nigga is bringing it home ????
— highshow???????? (@olaiya_olushola) December 21, 2020
Its a great feeling to be the African black legend. Congratulations Burna Boy for making Africa proud this year #Grammys #Burnaboy #music #lifeofstreeter pic.twitter.com/3thfa65k5Q
— BurnaBoy The Grammy's (@BurnaboyAwards) January 27, 2020
