In a significant show of solidarity and grassroots mobilization, barbers from Eleekara Market in Afijio Local Government Area have formally joined the Apero Mekunu Movement, a fast-growing socio-political movement advocating for the rights and welfare of everyday Nigerians.
The announcement was made on Monday during a community gathering in Eleekara, drawing attention to the expanding reach of the movement, which positions itself as a voice for the marginalized and working-class citizens popularly referred to in local parlance as the mekunu.
In a statement released by the movement, the decision by the barbers was hailed as a “powerful reminder that our message is not confined to one group of people but speaks to the everyday struggles of Nigerians across trades and communities.”
The Eleekara barbers, many of whom have operated stalls in the market for decades, say their choice to align with the movement is rooted in a shared desire for dignity, fairness, and economic opportunity values they say are often overlooked by political elites.
“This is not just politics. It’s about survival and being heard,” said Tunde Akinyemi, a barber and one of the local coordinators of the group. “We are tired of being ignored. We want a Nigeria where our children can dream, and our work is respected.”
The Apero Mekunu Movement, which began as a small coalition of market women, artisans, and low-income workers, has been gaining momentum in various communities across Oyo State and beyond. Its focus on social justice, economic equity, and community empowerment has struck a chord with citizens disillusioned by what they see as systemic neglect.
“The fight for dignity is not abstract—it is lived daily,” the movement said in its official statement. “By standing with us, the barbers of Eleekara Market have reinforced the truth that this struggle belongs to all of us.”
Observers say the barbers’ participation may signal a broader shift in public sentiment, especially among informal sector workers who make up a large portion of Nigeria’s economy. With general elections on the horizon and economic pressures mounting, movements like Apero Mekunu are being watched closely by analysts and policymakers alike.
“Their presence in our movement strengthens the collective voice of the mekunu and sends a clear message: the demand for change is spreading, and it will not be silenced,” the statement concluded.
As the Apero Mekunu Movement continues to expand its base, the inclusion of everyday professionals like barbers adds both credibility and momentum to its cause, further blurring the lines between grassroots activism and political engagement in Nigeria’s dynamic civic landscape.
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