2020 has been a tumultuous year punctuated by unforgettable events, including dramatic collapse from politicians, End SARS protest, and shocking deaths. As we await 2021, Join naijmobile.com as we take a brief look at 20 big events that got Nigerians talking in 2020.
1. First Covid-19 Case In Nigeria
On Feb 27, 2020, the first official case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was announced. The patient was an Italian citizen. Since then, the country was never the same again.
2. Lockdown
The confirmation of the first Covid 19 case in Nigeria led to the federal government taking action to prevent the widespread of the Covid-19 virus. Soon, Nigeria went into lockdown on the 30th of March.
A lot of people found it difficult to cope, especially those that ate from their daily income. Boredom struck and everybody was online trying to get the pandemic out of their mind.
3. Ban Of Motorcycle and Tricycle In Lagos State
In January 2020, The Lagos state government announced hat motorcycles and tricycles were banned from major roads around the state. This included bike hailing startups that were booming at the time. The ban took effect from the 1st of February 2020, the task force began to clamp down on motorcycles and tricycles they found.
The Banning movement for commuters that were used to the bikes and keke transportation. Bus fares were hiked as well as a result of the demand. Bike riders and tricycle riders staged a protest but their pleas fell on deaf ears as the state government remained resolute in their decision.
4. #EndSARS Protest
Youths in Nigeria protested against police brutality and bad governance. What started as a peaceful match led by Nigerian musicians Runtown and Falz spiraled into a nationwide call for action against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad police unit.
Read also #EndSARS: Falz, 2Baba, Tiwa Savage, 48 other protesters charged for criminal breaches
The protests were held in various states nationwide with youths calling for justice for victims of police brutality. Major roads were blocked and economic activities were grounded. Before long the protests were hijacked by hoodlums that were hell bent on looting and destroying properties.
5. Lekki Shooting
October 20th 2020 is a day Nigerians will never forget. At about 6:45 p.m. on men in military uniform arrived at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, in three Toyota Hilux vans began shooting into a crowd of peaceful protesters waving the Nigerian flag and reciting the national anthem.
The protesters were at Lekki Toll Gate as part of a mass, youth-led movement against police brutality, known as #EndSARS, demanding the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)
6. Death of Abba Kyari
Read aslo Who is Abba Kyari And Why Are Nigerians Happy That He Died From Coronavirus?
The deadly Covid-19 virus that started in China and spread round the globe killed a lot of people in Nigerian including prominent Nigerians. On Friday, April 17, former chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, passed away at First Cardiologist Hospital, Ikoyi Lagos state due to the coronavirus complications.
7. Death of Love Divine aka Koda
Love divine populary known as ‘Picture Kodak’ died in April 2020. Until her tragic death, she was one of Nigeria’s finest female dancer and video vixen. She was reportedly electrocuted in Clarence Peters’ studio while charging her phone
8. Daniel Pondei Collapse
The acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei fainted on the 20th of July 2020 as the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC grilled him during an investigation on alleged financial misappropriation at the commission.
Read also Court Sacks Pondei, NDDC Interim Leadership
9. Abdulrasheed Main Collapse
Abdulrasheed Maina also gave us a dose of drama too. The former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reformed Taskforce Team (PRTT) collapsed in the dock during the hearing in his N2billion money laundering trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
As usual many Nigerians branded Daniel Pondei and Mania’s action as same old trick used by government officials.
10. Obaseki Victory
The highly anticipated 2020 Edo State gubernatorial election took place on September 19, 2020. Incumbent PDP Governor Godwin Obaseki won re- election. His victory signalled the end of ‘God-fatherism’ in Nigeria’s politics
11. Uwa’s Rape Case
Read also Uwa Story- Who Was Uwa? The Girl Who Dreamt She Was Raped But Never Took It Seriously
Until her tragiy death, Uwa was a 22-year-old first year student of the University of Benin. She was raped and fatally wounded while reading inside a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish on May 27, 2020. She died three days later. Her case went global with the hashtag #JusticeforUwa
12. Looting of Covid-19 Warehouses
Amid the EndSars protests, some Nigerians used the opposition to overrun government-owned warehouses in different states and looted food meant to be distributed during this year’s coronavirus lockdowns.
13. Erica’s Disqualification
In September 2020, Reality TV Star, Erica Nlwedim was disqualified from the Big Brother Naija Lockdown edition for flouting after multiple house rules.
Read also BBNaija 2020: 10 Things Erica Said in New Interview After Disqualification
Before her disqualification, she was involved in a one-sided altercation with fellow housemate Laycon were she poured mean words on him. Since then she has been on the black list of many Nigerians.
14. Laycon’s Victory
Read also Laycon Biography: Childhood Story, Networth, Girlfriend and More
On the 27th of September 2020, Laycon emerged winner of the Big Brother Naija Lockdown Season. The talented rapper/singer beat 19 other housemates to win the coveted N85million worth of prizes.
15. Boko Haram Killing 43 Farmers
On the 29th of November, news broke our that Boko Haram fighters killed at least 43 farm workers and injured six in rice fields near the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri. According to reports, the terrorist group tied up the farmers and slit their throats
16. Majek Fashek Death
Read also Majek Fashek’s Death: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Late Reggae Musician
Legendary singer Majek fashek died in his sleep on 1 June 2020 in New York City. He was 57, and was battling esophageal cancer.
17. Oba of Lagos Staff of Office
During the heat of the EndSARS Protest, some hoodlums stormed and took the Oba Staff of Lagos. However, the staff was finally returned by the hoodlums who stole it.
18. Regina Daniel’s Baby
On the 29th of June, popular Nollywood Actress Regina Daniels and husband, Prince Ned Nwoko have welcomed a baby boy.
19. Hushpuppi Arrest
In July , Ramon Olorunwa Abbas popularly known as Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai for a £350m fraud before he was extradite to the United States. Before he was arrested, Hushpupoi attracted millions of followers with pictures of a glamorous jet-setting lifestyle.
20. The Abduction and Release of Kankara boys
On the the 11th of December, 344 boys were kidnapped form the Government Secondary School in Katsina State. The 344 boys, whose abduction was claimed by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, were later released unhurt after some days.
The quick release of these 344 boys raised lot of eyebrows. While some praised the military and government , others strongly believed the kidnapping was staged.
