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#ENDSARS Protests & Lekki Toll Gate Shooting: Everything You Need To Know

Around the United States, people have rallied together and taken to the streets to protest police brutality as it appears in North America, fueled directly by the death of George Floyd and countless other incidents of the same ilk. The protests that have taken place across the States have not only incited discussions and spurred change locally, they seem to have also sparked similar movements around the world.

We saw protestors support the BLM movement everywhere from England to Australia, however, over in Nigeria, they are contending with a similar yet drastically different situation in their own fight against police brutality, and it’s one that’s now reaching a boiling point here in the States too. Similar, because they too are fighting to put an end to police brutality and unlawful behavior by those meant to protect them– however drastically different, in the sense that, the police unit they are protesting appears to have a much more sinister background, with a complete disregard for the law and their citizens.

What is SARS?

SARS stands for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a special police unit that was founded in 1984. Despite the good intentions behind the unit, in so far as Nigeria was dealing with a rise in crime and kidnappings, the SARS unit has since been frequently accused of using unlawful tactics in their approach to criminality, as well as accusations of killing their own citizens. An Amnesty report from June of this year detailed some of the brutality inflicted by the unit, stating:

“Detainees in SARS custody have been subjected to a variety of methods of torture including hanging, mock execution, beating, punching and kicking, burning with cigarettes, waterboarding, near-asphyxiation with plastic bags, forcing detainees to assume stressful bodily positions and sexual violence.”

Their report documented 82 cases of police brutality between 2017 and 2020, and stated that rarely, if ever, were the police officers in question brought to justice/investigated further.

The situation, however, all came to a head when a video went viral of alleged SARS officers killing a young man in October. SARS reportedly claimed the video was fake, and the man who filmed the video was arrested, angering citizens further.

endsars protestor

An #ENDSARS protestor shows their support in London, England, October 21 2020 – Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The Disbanding Of SARS, But the Establishment of Another SWAT

In the face of all this, President Muhammadu Buhari announced that SARS would be disbanded effective immediately on October 11, 2020.

In a video announcement, the President stated, “The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.”

Yet, in its place, the government has said they will create a new SWAT team to “fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.”

Thus, Nigerians have continued their protest efforts, as they demand change beyond the establishment of another type of police unit– one that would ultimately do the exact same type of governing as SARS– leading many protestors to simply switch their signage to read #ENDSWAT. It’s worth noting, this is not the first time the Nigerian government has promised to disband or reform SARS. Both in 2017 and 2018, an overhaul and investigation was promised, although it appears that little to no change actually occurred.

Lekki Toll Gate Shooting

As the #ENDSARS protests continued last night, we tuned in from a Live IG stream by way of DJ Switch (@djswitch_), which documented police officers seemingly opening fire on the protestors at Lekki Toll, as DJ Switch revealed seven people were shot, and she herself held her camera up to show us the bullet wounds as they pleaded for help, and an ambulance. All the while, Switch exclaimed how the police were preventing them from reaching an ambulance or receiving assistance, as they blocked off the Lekki Toll and started fires in the distance– in the distance of IG Live stream, a sea of orange flames were clearly visible.

As viewers came pouring into her live stream, many celebrities were tagged in the process as well as new outlets around the world, in an effort to bring light to the situation, and document it properly for the world to see– just in case the police officers attempted to deny what happened. It appeared to have worked, as BBC Africa later tweeted that “The rights group @amnesty says it has received credible evidence that excessive force was used against protesters in Lagos.” Since last night, we’ve also seen countless celebs show their support for Nigeria, including Rihanna and Beyonce.

DJ Switch has also continued to keep her IG Stories updated on the gunshot wound victims as well as their protests– documenting yet another gunshot wound victim the very next day, and calling once again for help. You can check her page here.

Lagos’ Governor Issues a Statement on #ENDSARS Protestors

Following the protests and gunshots receiving coverage worldwide, the governor of Lagos, Babjide Sanwo-Olu, issued a series of statements on twitter. He started last night by revealing he had visited the Lekki Toll shooting victims. “This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger. I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki,” he tweeted alongside images from the hospital.

Sanwo-Olu continued tweeting updates this morning, revealing one person had died, although it’s unclear if they were a protestor.

“Information reaching us now is that a life was lost at Reddington Hospital due to blunt force trauma to the head. It is an unfortunate and very sad loss. This is an isolated case. We are still investigating if he was a protester,” the governor tweeted.

He continued shortly after in a twitter thread addressed to Lagosians, where he purported to detail how exactly the protests turned sour.

“We were making progress together though the pace was slow due to lack of an acceptable leadership amongst the #EndSARS protesters.
However, events took a different turn from Sunday 18, October 2020 as criminal elements took advantage of the firm orders handed down to the officers and men of the Nigerian Police not to resort to shooting as a rule of engagement. In Ogolonto, armed gangs unleashed mayhem on one another. While this was happening, other criminal elements joined in attacking innocent citizens who were returning from church services. There were cases of robbery of citizens and rape of frightened women scampering for safety. Other criminal elements in turn began to unleash terror on citizens in different parts of the State like Fagba in Ogba & Ebute Metta.”
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He continued to say that they would be calling upon the President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate what exactly occurred at Lekki Toll Gate. The President has yet to release a statement on yesterday’s events.

“For clarity, it is imperative to explain that no governor controls the rules of engagement of the army. I have nevertheless instructed an investigation into the ordered and the adopted rules of engagement employed by the men of the Nigerian Army deployed to the Lekki Toll Gate. This is with a view to taking this up with the high command of the Nigerian Army and seek the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief to unravel the sequence of events that happened yesterday.”

You can view some of the Governor’s tweets below.

We’ll keep you posted as more information comes to light regarding what exactly occurred at Lekki Toll Gate.

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Lifestyle

Who Invented Stickers, and When Did it Happen?

The invention of stickers is a fascinating story of innovation and evolution, weaving through various periods of history. While the sticker, as we know it today, emerged in the 20th century, its roots can be traced much further back. This article explores the journey of stickers from their ancient origins to the creation of the modern adhesive sticker by R. Stanton Avery in 1935.

Early Beginnings: Ancient Times to 19th Century

Historians suggest that the concept of stickers may have originated in ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, used papyrus for various purposes, which could have included something akin to the modern sticker. However, this early form would have been significantly different from what we recognize today.

The next significant milestone in the history of stickers came in 1839 with Sir Rowland Hill. Hill, better known for inventing the postage stamp, developed an adhesive paper. This invention laid the groundwork for the future development of stickers, as it introduced the idea of a self-adhesive paper.

The Birth of the Modern Sticker: R. Stanton Avery

The real breakthrough came in 1935, with the invention of the modern sticker by R. Stanton Avery. Born in Oklahoma in 1907, Avery moved to Los Angeles in the late 1920s. His early career was marked by a series of odd jobs, but it was his entrepreneurial spirit and keen interest in printing technology that paved the way for his groundbreaking invention.

Avery’s sticker was not just a label but a self-adhesive piece that could be mass-produced. He created the first self-adhesive label in a time when labels still required moistening to stick. This marked a significant innovation for personalized stickers. This was the beginning of product packaging and labeling as we know it.

Technical Innovation

The technical aspects of Avery’s invention are noteworthy. He designed a die-cut labeling machine using rudimentary parts — a washing machine motor, components from a sewing machine, and a saber saw. This makeshift machine could produce self-adhesive labels in various shapes and sizes, which was revolutionary.

Business Growth and Impact

Following his invention, Avery founded Avery Adhesives in 1935, which later became Avery Dennison Corporation, a major player in the office products industry. The company’s success hinged on the widespread adoption of Avery’s labels in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly for advertising and product labeling.

Evolution of Stickers in the 20th Century

After Avery’s invention, the sticker industry saw significant growth. Stickers began to be used for various purposes, including advertising, product identification, and even political campaigns. Their ease of use, durability, and versatility made them popular across different sectors.

Stickers as a Cultural Phenomenon

In the latter half of the 20th century, stickers transcended their practical uses and became a cultural phenomenon. They were used as a form of personal expression, in activism, and as collectibles. Stickers became a ubiquitous part of everyday life, appearing on laptops, cars, street signs, and more.

Technological Advancements

The evolution of sticker technology continued with advancements in materials and adhesives. Vinyl stickers, holographic stickers, and even digital and smart stickers, which incorporate QR codes and NFC technology, are examples of how the sticker has continued to evolve.

Stickers Today and Their Impact

Today, stickers are more than just a tool for labeling and advertising. They have become a medium for personal and artistic expression. The diversity in types, shapes, sizes, and designs is a testament to their ubiquitous presence in our society.

Environmental Considerations

With growing environmental concerns, the sticker industry has also been innovating in terms of sustainability. Biodegradable and eco-friendly stickers are now more common, addressing the need for sustainable practices in industry.

The Digital Age

The digital age has also impacted stickers. Digital or virtual stickers, popular on social media and messaging apps, are a modern iteration of Avery’s invention. They carry the same purpose of expression and communication but in a digital format.

Conclusion

The story of the sticker is a remarkable one, showcasing human ingenuity and the ability to evolve with changing times. From ancient Egyptian papyrus to the digital stickers of today, this journey reflects both technological advancement and cultural shifts. R. Stanton Avery’s contribution in 1935 was pivotal, setting the stage for the sticker to become an integral part of modern life. As we continue to innovate and adapt, the sticker remains a small yet significant testament to human creativity and adaptability.

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Hakeem Prime To Release New Music After The Success Of His Debut Album ‘DèTOUR II’

Hakeem Prime w/ Nick Cannon Mr. Future Superstar Himself

I have a feeling you’ve been living under a rock if you haven’t heard of the incredible Hakeem Prime yet. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let me introduce you to the magic of Hakeem Prime and his latest release, “DÈTOUR 2.” Trust me, you’re in for a treat! This album is a game-changer, showcasing his incredible range and undeniable talent. Mixing R&B and rap influences, Hakeem Prime takes you on a sonic journey you won’t forget. Let’s talk about the track that’s got everyone buzzing: “Imma Let You Go.”

Hakeem Prime – Imma Let You Go

This song is an anthem for anyone who’s ever had to cut ties and prioritize their own peace of mind. Hakeem draws from personal experiences, giving you a raw and relatable perspective that hits you right in the feels. Trust us, you’ll be singing along in no time.

The cover of “DÈTOUR 2” showcases Hakeem Prime at the center of all his obstacles and aspirations, ready to take off like a soaring plane. His gaze is fixed forward, leaving behind what no longer serves him. Inspired by his experiences during the pandemic and relationship, this album is a testament to his growth and newfound awareness.

Let’s dive into the tracks, my friend. “DÈTOUR 2” kicks off with the exclusive SoundCloud release, “Truth Is.” It’s a powerful opener, showcasing Hakeem Prime’s element and self-assuredness, setting the tone for what’s to come. The album is an exercise in restraint, carefully selected from hundreds of songs he wrote amidst public woes with his longtime record label TPSE (The Purple Snake Era).

Now, let’s talk about “Rather Die,” a savage rap track that takes us back to the glory days of physical mixtapes.

And then there’s “Flex,” a rap song that caress your hype vibes as Hakeem Prime delivers lyrics like “Lay down the pipe like you my last” and “Pleasure and pain go hand in hand.” His talent is truly out of this world, yet there’s a familiarity that makes you feel like you know someone just like him, or maybe even yourself.

But let’s not forget “Loosely,” a mesmerizing song where Hakeem Prime unloads his darkest thoughts with peaceful awareness, all wrapped around a tone of grace. And, of course, the instant classic “Love Rants.” This is where Hakeem Prime truly lets his vocals soar, belting his face off and leaving us breathless. Something for country song lovers to with a pop-RnB chorus about jumping into new love with no regrets. It’s pure genius! Last but not least is our favorite “Throw it” It’s on the deluxe version of the album and it’s fire for any strip club setting or just chilling with friends.

“DÈTOUR 2” is not only a testament to Hakeem Prime’s growth as a songwriter, but also his ability to defy artist tropes with forceful nonchalance. This album is a rich tapestry of unity and sentiment, with each track painting a vivid picture of his musical evolution. Trust me, you’ll want to give it a listen.

Now, don’t be slacking on this, because we’ve got an embedded Spotify link waiting for you. Just click below and let the magic unfold. Hakeem Prime’s smooth vocals and infectious beats are guaranteed to have you grooving in your seat. You’ll wonder why you didn’t discover him sooner!

But wait, there’s more! He’s also collaborating with industry heavyweights on his next project, which we can’t spill all the details about just yet. All we can say is, watch out for him. Yeah, he’s kind of a big deal.

So, if you’re not already following Hakeem Prime on social media, what are you waiting for? Get with the program, people! Hit that “Follow” button on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on the behind-the-scenes action and exclusive updates from this rising star.

https://www.hakeemprime.com

Facebook: [@Hakeemprime]

Twitter: [@HakeemPrime]

Instagram: [@hakeemprime]

YouTube: [@hakeemprimer]

In conclusion, Hakeem Prime is a force to be reckoned with. His soulful vibes, killer tracks, and magnetic presence are taking the music world by storm. “DÈTOUR 2” is just the beginning, and if you haven’t jumped on the Hakeem Prime train yet, you’re seriously missing out. So, step up your game, get those headphones ready, and prepare to be blown away!