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Warri–Itakpe train derails, 4 coaches capsize

Mustapha USMAN
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Warri–Itakpe train derails, 4 coaches capsize

THE Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says its Warri–Itakpe Train Service has derailed, with four coaches capsizing.

The Managing Director of NRC, Kayode Opeifa, said in a statement in Lagos on Monday, June 8, evening that NRC  would provide  updates on the accident as more details would emerge.

Opeifa said that emergency response teams  had been deployed to the scene to manage the situation and assist passengers

“The corporation is closely monitoring developments and will provide a comprehensive update as more details emerge on the cause and extent of the derailment,” he said.

He urged the public to be calm and rely only on official communication channels for information regarding the accident.

The latest derailment adds to a series of operational setbacks that have plagued the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor in the last couple of years.

In May 2026, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suspended services on the route, citing operational challenges and technical advice from its engineers to allow for safety checks, maintenance and system assessments.

Recall that in November 2025, the Warri–Itakpe train derailed in the Agbor area of Delta State just four days after the route resumed operations following months of suspension linked to technical faults and track repairs.

The NRC subsequently halted services again to conduct safety and security audits.

Before the November derailment, the NRC had suspended operations on the Warri–Itakpe route on August 2 following a series of train breakdowns and technical faults.

In July 2024, the NRC temporarily suspended operations after a train travelling from Itakpe to Ujevwu derailed, prompting safety inspections before services resumed days later.

Authorities have repeatedly blamed some of the disruptions on infrastructure vandalism.

 

June 12: WSCIJ to lead conversation on reversing Nigeria’s voter apathy ahead of 2027 polls

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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June 12: WSCIJ to lead conversation on reversing Nigeria’s voter apathy ahead of 2027 polls

AS Nigeria prepares to commemorate Democracy Day and looks toward the 2027 general elections, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) is convening a virtual meeting to address growing threats to the nation’s democratic future.

The dialogue, to be held on X Space, is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, according to a statement by the WSCIJ Communication Officer, Confidence Ojuh. The meeting has its themes around rebuilding democratic participation through accountability journalism.

It will examine how the media, civil society, and public institutions can restore trust in democratic processes and re-engage citizens ahead of the 2027 elections.

“As the 2027 elections approach, the upcoming June 2026 edition of the Journalism & Society Conversations will get straight to the heartbeat of this challenge. We are bringing together a powerhouse panel of media executives, civic leaders, and electoral administrators to examine how accountability and grassroots journalism can restore public confidence and re-energise citizen participation,” Ojuh said.

The ICIR reports that more than three decades after the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, citizens participation in elections is declining at an alarming rate. Rising public distrust, economic hardship, insecurity, misinformation, and widespread disillusionment with governance have contributed to a steady withdrawal of citizens from the democratic process.

Against this backdrop, the WSCIJ urged citizens to join the conversation through this link to hear from its speakers which includes David Ajikobi, Nigeria Editor at Africa Check; Muftau Gbadegesin, sustainable development practitioner; Theresa Maduekwe, South-East Zonal Director of the National Orientation Agency; Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Victorson Agbenson, Political Editor of Radio Nigeria and General Manager of Bronze FM Benin; and Adebowale Olorunmola, democracy and grassroots mobilisation specialist.

The urgency of the discussion is reflected in electoral participation data released by INEC. Voter turnout has fallen consistently over nearly two decades from 57.54 per cent in 2007 to 53.68 per cent in 2011, 43.65 per cent in 2015, and 34.75 per cent in 2019.

The trend reached a historic low during the 2023 general elections, when only 26.72 per cent of registered voters participated. Of the 93.46 million registered voters and 87.20 million Permanent Voter Cards collected, just 24.9 million Nigerians cast their ballots.

Experts warn that such declining participation poses a significant challenge to democratic governance, as democracy depends on active citizen engagement, accountability, and public confidence in institutions.

Ojuh explained that conversation at the dialogue would move beyond routine election discussions to interrogate the deeper causes of democratic disillusionment and explore practical pathways for rebuilding public trust.

She also added that discussions would focus on the factors driving voter apathy, including governance failures and declining faith in electoral outcomes, as panelists will also examine the growing influence of misinformation, artificial intelligence-driven manipulation, and political propaganda on public perception.

The communication officer noted that the event would further explore how newsrooms could strengthen civic education, simplify complex governance issues, combat disinformation, and promote citizen engagement beyond election cycles.

She added that the conversation is intended not only to commemorate the legacy of June 12 but also to generate practical solutions for strengthening democratic accountability and restoring citizens’ confidence in governance.

Fund for Investigative Journalism announces grants to journalists, media outlets

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Fund for Investigative Journalism announces grants to journalists, media outlets

THE Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) offers grants to support independent journalists and media organisations producing impactful investigative stories that expose wrongdoing and advance public accountability.

The grants are open to freelance journalists, staff reporters, and media outlets working across print, digital, broadcast, documentary, podcast, and book formats.

FIJ provides different funding streams, including regular grants of up to $10,000 for fully developed investigative proposals, seed funding of up to $2,500 for early-stage reporting, and follow-up grants for continuing existing FIJ-supported investigations.

Selected fellows under special programmes may also receive larger awards for long-term reporting projects.

Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals outlining the investigative angle, reporting plan, budget breakdown, and expected public impact. Some categories require a commitment letter from a media outlet confirming intent to publish the work.

The fund prioritises stories that uncover hidden wrongdoing, strengthen accountability, and contribute to public interest journalism, with a transparent review process led by experienced investigative journalists.

The deadline to apply for regular grants and seed funding is September 14, 2026.

Interested applicants can apply here.

Iran announces end to attacks on Israel

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Iran announces end to attacks on Israel

Iran has officially announced the end of its offensive military operations against Israel, while warning that any future attack on southern Lebanon would be treated as a direct attack on Iran’s regional allies and would trigger an immediate response against Israel.

The announcement was made on Monday on the Iranian military’s Facebook page, signaling a possible de-escalation after days of heightened tensions that threatened to reignite a broader Middle East conflict.

“A new equation has now been established: Any attack on Southern Lebanon = A direct strike on Israel,” the military said.

The declaration came hours after United States President Donald Trump publicly called on both Israel and Iran to cease hostilities following a fresh exchange of missile strikes that shattered weeks of relative calm after an April ceasefire.

Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, urged both sides to stop firing as fears mounted that the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war involving Lebanon, Yemen and key shipping routes across the Middle East.

The latest escalation began after Israel launched strikes on targets inside Iran, including the Mahshahr Petrochemical Plant in the country’s southwest and what Israeli officials described as strategic military installations. Israel said the operation targeted Iranian air defence systems that had been rebuilt after earlier US-Israeli military actions.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded by launching missiles at a petrochemical facility in Haifa, northern Israel, accusing Israel of crossing a red line by targeting civilian and energy infrastructure.

The confrontation marked the first direct military exchange between the two countries since a ceasefire took effect on April 8.

Despite the renewed violence, Trump insisted that diplomatic efforts to secure a broader settlement with Tehran remained on track.

“It’s not going to have any impact on the deal. I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn’t call the shots,” Trump told the Financial Times in an apparent reference to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to Reuters, the remarks highlighted growing friction between Washington and Jerusalem, with reports suggesting Trump had privately urged Netanyahu to avoid military action in Lebanon in order to preserve ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the wider regional conflict.

However, Israel carried out strikes near Beirut on Sunday, the first such attacks since the US unveiled a ceasefire proposal for Lebanon. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory missile salvos against Israeli targets.

The military exchanges triggered widespread disruption across the region’s airspace. Flight-tracking services showed large sections of skies over Iran, Iraq and Syria largely deserted as authorities imposed emergency restrictions.

Iran suspended flights at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport indefinitely, while Syria temporarily closed its southern airspace and halted operations at Damascus International Airport. Iraq also shut its airspace and suspended air navigation services for 72 hours.

The crisis has attracted growing international concern. European Union defence ministers meeting in Cyprus on Monday discussed the implications of the conflict for regional stability, energy security and global maritime trade.

Global energy markets also reacted sharply to the renewed fighting. Brent crude oil rose more than four percent to above $97 per barrel, while US crude futures climbed by a similar margin amid fears that the conflict could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for missile attacks targeting Israel. Israeli authorities said their air defence systems intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, with no casualties reported.

While Iran’s announcement ending its offensive operations may ease immediate fears of a full-scale war, the warning linking attacks on southern Lebanon to direct strikes on Israel introduces a new strategic doctrine that could further complicate efforts to maintain stability in the region.

 

Ramaphosa vows crackdown as xenophobic attacks trigger regional alarm, evacuations

Mustapha USMAN
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Ramaphosa vows crackdown as xenophobic attacks trigger regional alarm, evacuations

SOUTH African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has vowed to crack down on groups behind the latest wave of xenophobic violence in the country, as renewed anti-immigrant protests continue to trigger regional concern, diplomatic tensions and evacuation plans by affected African countries.

Ramaphosa, in a televised address, said the government would not allow individuals or groups to exploit public frustration over illegal immigration to incite violence, lawlessness or political instability.

The attacks, which have spread across parts of South Africa and in some cases turned violent, have led to repatriation efforts by countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and Mozambique. 

According to reports, Mozambique has said at least five of its citizens were killed during the unrest.

“We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal and criminal agendas,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address, without specifying the actions.

“We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country through inciting lawlessness and violence,” he said.

The ICIR reports that violence has also reignited longstanding concerns about xenophobia in South Africa, where migrants are frequently blamed for unemployment, poverty and rising crime.

Nigeria extends evacuation screening of citizens

In response to the worsening situation, on June 7, Nigeria extended screening of its citizens willing to be evacuated from South Africa until Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 500 Nigerians have already been screened and cleared for evacuation, with five chartered flights approved under arrangements involving private carrier Air Peace.

The ministry said the first evacuation flight, expected to carry about 270 passengers, may depart Johannesburg if all permits are secured.

Officials added that the extension was necessary to allow more stranded Nigerians to register for voluntary evacuation amid fears of further violence.

Background

The current crisis follows earlier warning issued by Nigeria’s Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), which had advised citizens in South Africa to avoid confrontation, monitor local developments, and in some cases temporarily close businesses due to escalating protests.

NiDCOM said intelligence from the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg indicated planned demonstrations in parts of Gauteng Province, where foreign-owned shops were expected to be targeted.

The commission’s advisory came after viral videos circulated online showing groups of South Africans confronting and assaulting individuals believed to be foreign nationals. In one widely shared clip, a Ghanaian man was harassed and told to leave the country.

The incidents also triggered diplomatic reactions, including Ghana summoning South Africa’s acting High Commissioner over what it described as harassment and intimidation of its citizens.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the incidents were xenophobic in nature and demanded accountability from South African authorities.

The protests have largely been linked to anti-immigrant movements such as Operation Dudula and March on March, which accuse foreign nationals of contributing to unemployment, crime and social pressure in South Africa.

Viral footage from recent demonstrations showed mobs attacking individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants, while others were subjected to public harassment and threats.

South African authorities have repeatedly condemned the attacks.

Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, warned that no group has the authority to enforce immigration laws outside the state, stressing that those involved in violence would be arrested and prosecuted.

Fetisov Journalism Awards 2026 seek entries

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Fetisov Journalism Awards 2026 seek entries

THE Fetisov Journalism Awards (FJA) invites professional journalists, freelance reporters, and media organisations worldwide to submit entries for its annual awards celebrating excellence in journalism.

The competition recognises impactful reporting across key categories, including investigative journalism, environmental reporting, civil rights, and contributions to peace.

Entries are free and open to original journalistic work published within the eligibility period. Applicants may submit their own work or be nominated by organisations, and submissions must be completed online through the official FJA portal.

All entries are reviewed through a transparent judging process conducted by an independent panel of international media professionals.

The awards aim to spotlight journalism that promotes truth, accountability, and positive social impact, with winners selected based on the quality, integrity, and influence of their reporting.

All entries must be submitted in English. Stories originally published in another language must be accompanied by a professional English translation.

The deadline for applications is September 15, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.

Nigerian-British musician Talay Riley stabbed to death in London

Esther Tomo
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Nigerian-British musician Talay Riley stabbed to death in London

NIGERIAN-BRITISH singer and songwriter Mark Yinka Orabiyi, popularly known by his stage name Talay Riley, has been stabbed to death.

Riley, 35, was killed last Friday in the Silvertown area of East London. Emergency responders rushed to the location after receiving distress calls, but efforts to save the musician were unsuccessful.

Authorities have since commenced a homicide investigation, with detectives working to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The development was confirmed by his family, who released a statement expressing their grief over the loss.

“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi professionally known as Talay Riley passed away yesterday morning,” the statement reads in part.

“Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum selling songwriter & artist. For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”

The family also thanked friends, colleagues and supporters for their sympathy.

Riley built a successful career in music, earning recognition for his songwriting abilities and artistic contributions. He entered the entertainment industry as a teenager after securing a publishing agreement and later gained wider attention through collaborations with several notable acts.

Throughout his career, he shared stages with major performers in both the United Kingdom and the United States, while also working alongside respected names in contemporary R&B.

The late singer was the elder brother of acclaimed producer Scribz Riley, who paid tribute to him in an emotional Instagram post.

“I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately I can confirm that on the morning of Friday 5th June, my big brother YINKA (Talay Riley) passed away,” he wrote.

He added, “My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep, we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation. Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives.

Nigeria extends screening of citizens seeking to leave South Africa

News Agency
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Nigeria extends screening of citizens seeking to leave South Africa

NIGERIA has extended the screening of its citizens who are willing to be evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Blacks in the country, to Wednesday.

Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights, which will be operated by Nigeria’s private airliner, Air Peace.
He added that the first flight that would transport about 270 passengers should leave Johannesburg Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.
“I’ve just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals, who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home, has been extended to Wednesday.
“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” Ebienfa said.
He further noted that the flight’s departure and estimated time of arrival in Lagos would be provided in due course, subject to updates from Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa.

The ICIR reports that incidents of xenophobia targeting African migrants in South Africa have intensified in recent weeks, with groups of protesters staging demonstrations against the presence of foreign nationals in several communities. Reports indicate that some migrants have been subjected to harassment, intimidation and physical attacks in public spaces, including streets, schools, shops and workplaces.

The renewed anti-immigrant sentiment has sparked concern among human rights organisations, community leaders and regional observers, who warn that such actions could undermine social cohesion and endanger vulnerable populations. Many of the migrants affected come from other African countries and have sought refuge or economic opportunities in South Africa.

The developments have reignited debate over immigration, unemployment and public service pressures in South Africa, while advocacy groups have urged authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect all residents from violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

(NAN)

Nigeria seeks €59m EU support to fight illegal fishing, bolster marine protection

Esther Tomo
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Nigeria seeks €59m EU support to fight illegal fishing, bolster marine protection

NIGERIA is seeking to benefit from a €59 million European Union-backed programme aimed at enhancing the protection and management of marine resources across West Africa.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja. The discussion focused on expanding collaboration in maritime safety, environmental protection, and the sustainable use of ocean resources.

A statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s special adviser, Bolaji Akinola, said the latest engagement reflected growing efforts to address a long-standing problem that continued to affect marine resources and the economic wellbeing of coastal communities across the country.

Oyetola praised the EU for its continued support to Nigeria, particularly in efforts that have helped improve safety within the Gulf of Guinea, an important maritime corridor for trade and economic activities.

According to the minister, the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) offers an opportunity for countries in the region to work together and address challenges affecting marine resources while promoting responsible ocean management.

He stated that Nigeria was ready to participate actively in the programme to access both expertise and funding that could improve the country’s capacity to monitor and protect its waters, while also supporting the growth of the blue economy.

The minister expressed concern over the activities of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing operators, saying their operations continue to damage marine habitats and negatively affect communities that depend on fishing for survival.

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a direct threat to national security, food sovereignty, and the survival of our coastal communities. We cannot afford to stand by and watch our marine ecosystems depleted and economic livelihoods eroded. We are calling for an era of stronger international collaboration, backed by aggressive monitoring and uncompromised enforcement systems, to permanently dismantle these illicit operations and safeguard our waters.”

Oyetola noted that the Federal Government was implementing changes within the maritime sector through the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which encourages innovation, investment, and the responsible development of marine resources.

He added that cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners should extend beyond efforts to tackle piracy. According to him, greater attention should also be given to environmental offences, human trafficking, and unlawful fishing activities through coordinated regional action.

The minister further appealed for additional support from the European Union in areas such as surveillance technology, fisheries oversight, and enforcement operations to help Nigeria better protect its maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.

Responding, the EU ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria on maritime matters and supporting programmes that promote healthier and safer oceans.

He explained that WASOP was designed to improve cooperation among countries along the West African coastline, strengthen compliance measures, and encourage the development of a sustainable blue economy that benefits local populations.

Nigeria’s renewed push for international assistance highlights the persistent challenge posed by illegal fishing despite ongoing reforms in the maritime sector. Industry observers note that unlawful fishing activities continue to reduce fish populations, weaken legitimate businesses, and threaten food supplies for millions of people who rely on the sector.

 

MTN blames users’ digital habits for rapid data depletion

Mustapha USMAN
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MTN blames users’ digital habits for rapid data depletion

MTN Nigeria has denied allegations that it manipulates or secretly depletes customers’ data, attributing most complaints about disappearing data bundles to changing digital consumption habits and background activities on smartphones.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the telecom giant made the clarification during a public engagement tagged “Data on Trial” held in Lagos, where company executives, regulators, auditors, media professionals, and digital content creators examined how mobile data is consumed and billed.

The event comes amid growing frustration among Nigerian subscribers who have repeatedly complained that mobile data bundles expire faster than before, despite purchasing larger plans.

For years, telecom operators have faced accusations from consumers who claim their data subscriptions disappear within days or even hours of purchase. The complaints have become more pronounced following 2025 tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which increased the cost of voice calls, SMS and data services.

Speaking at the event, MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, said the company organised the session to subject its data billing processes to public scrutiny and provide evidence to address customers’ concerns.

“For some time, discussions have centred on data consumption. Today, consumers are the judges. Our responsibility is to provide facts and transparency,” he said.

According to Toriola, many complaints stem from the increasing amount of data consumed by modern digital services such as video streaming platforms, cloud storage, software updates, artificial intelligence applications, and background activities running on smartphones.

He said many users were unaware of how much data applications consumed even when they were not actively using them.

“We are not asking customers to trust us blindly. We want them to see the evidence and understand exactly how data is consumed,” he said.

The telecommunication company further announced that its Data Analyser Portal, which allows subscribers to track data usage, had undergone an independent audit by KPMG and review by the NCC.

The company also disclosed plans to integrate the portal into the MyMTN App before the end of June to enable customers monitor their data consumption more easily.

Toriola also dismissed calls for unlimited mobile data plans, arguing that no mobile network operator could sustainably offer unrestricted high-speed internet because network capacity must be shared among millions of subscribers.

He said telecom operators were also battling infrastructure challenges, including vandalism of telecom facilities, fibre cuts, and persistent power supply problems that affect service delivery.

The MTN boss noted that the company had increased investments in network expansion and maintenance following the recent tariff review, which operators argued was necessary to keep the telecommunications industry financially viable.

On his part, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, Yahaya Ibrahim, said the quality of online content had significantly improved in recent years, leading to higher data consumption.

He explained that applications such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook automatically preload videos and other content, often consuming data without users noticing.

According to him, automatic software updates, cloud backups, and synchronisation features on smartphones also contribute to rapid data usage.

Ibrahim rejected claims that telecom operators intentionally deplete customer data, describing the perception as a misunderstanding of how modern internet services operate.

He said MTN’s monitoring systems enable the company to identify which applications consume the highest amount of data whenever subscribers lodge complaints.

The ICIR reports that data depletion has remained one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, with consumer repeatedly calling on the NCC to investigate complaints from subscribers who believe their data is exhausted faster than expected.

In previous months, the NCC directed operators to improve transparency in data usage reporting and encouraged subscribers to utilise available tools for monitoring consumption.

In April 2026, activist Omoyele Sowore accused MTN of poor service delivery, unexplained data depletion and a lack of accountability to subscribers. He argued that many Nigerians were paying more for services that did not meet expectations.

The agitation escalated in May when Sowore led dozens of protesters to MTN’s headquarters in Abuja under the banner “Occupy MTN.” The demonstrators accused telecom operators of exploitative pricing, rapid data depletion, poor network quality and high internet costs, while demanding more affordable data plans and improved service delivery.

Protesters also criticised the NCC,

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