If you meet your fellow Nigerians today, offer them words of solace by saying “it is well,” as the nation is grappling with severe economic and financial challenges. Many households are now struggling to secure even two square meals a day, let alone meet the fundamental needs of their families.
The current state of affairs has led to widespread demonstrations around the country, with people strongly calling for prompt action to assist those who are suffering during these difficult times. The demand for immediate action emphasises how critical it is to solve the urgent problems that have caused widespread hardship and unhappiness throughout the nation.
Concerns about the high cost of living, rising food prices, and the nation’s current financial crisis have led residents of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, to take to the streets. Among other things, they held signs that said, “Tinubu, don’t forget your promise” and “the poor are starving.”
But in a statement headlined “message to all Igbos worldwide,” written by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he stated, “I write as your leader in this critical period in our country, Nigeria. Events in Nigeria are no doubts disturbing. The economy has turned very bad, a sceptre of frustration everywhere. I have received many entreaties from many parts of the country requesting me to call Igbos to join in the demonstration and violent action in the country against the government”
“As your leader, I am directing that no Igbo group or community in Nigeria or in diaspora should join in this action. I am still studying the situation. I have asked Nigerians who approached me the following question; what did they do when the past government disfranchised Igbo land” He said.
The present economic state of Nigeria, according to Iwuanyanwu, is regrettable. Still, he gave his word that he would call a conference of leading Igbo economists and specialists to strategize ways to get through this difficult time.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) recently released a grim report that indicated the country’s food situation had gotten much worse. In order to lessen the suffering of people who find themselves in precarious situations, the organisation stressed the importance of swift action and collaboration.
This revelation emphasises how serious the situation is and signals a need for coordinated efforts and quick action to lessen the pain that a large segment of the community is going through. It is a powerful reminder of how urgently we must come together to confront the escalating humanitarian catastrophe and offer vital assistance to those facing the terrible reality of prevailing hunger.
Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Kende, secretary general of NRCS, made the announcement in Abuja and said it was past time for the government to take action. The organisation is still extremely concerned about the nation’s growing food insecurity.
Dr. Kende emphasised the effect of fuel prices on the current economic issues during the Red Cross and Ecobank collaboration’s Abuja launch, which addressed the initiative to mobilise local resources for the food crisis appeal. Food prices have surged due to the hyperinflation caused by the spike in fuel prices, making it unaffordable for a large majority of Nigerians.
He went on to reveal the staggering statistics that approximately 26.5 million Nigerians, including women and children, are currently grappling with acute hunger. This stark reality highlights the immediate and pressing need for assistance to alleviate their suffering. The plea for swift intervention serves as a poignant call to action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the root causes of the crisis and implementing measures to provide relief to the vulnerable segments of the population affected by the harsh economic conditions.
Just today, a tweet titled “Hungry Northerners Block Dangote Trailer And Looted It Empty” was uploaded on social media by Gossipmillnaija, claiming that hungry people in the northern part of Nigeria had plundered a trailer. This essentially illustrates the level to which this adversity has forced people to undertake acts they may not have been particularly proud of.
Nigerians voiced their dread, rage, disbelief, and despair about the economic problems they are facing in the comment section of the page. The comments read;
“we are getting into an era of ‘eat the rich’ if this administration doesn’t get better, the elites will have no option than to vacate the country for their own safety”
“what is happening here is simple. A country was already suffocating under a clueless Buhari and needed rescue. But instead of coming together as one to savage what was left by electing trusted and competent hands, some Nigerians decided to allow ethnic bigotry becloud their senses and ended up with a more clueless and corrupt government led by self-acclimation: ‘it is my turn’ Emilokan. This country is sitting on a ticking time bomb and the political class is so relaxed believing its business as usual”
“Tinubu has finished this country”
“Crime rate about to triple. You all be safe out there, people are hungry and desperate. Watch cars you enter and no waka at night”
The sentiments expressed in these comments collectively convey a profound sense of weariness and widespread insecurity among the populace, coupled with genuine apprehension about potential future uncertainties. The current conditions have sparked numerous social media posts depicting individuals collapsing due to hunger while engaging in their routine daily activities.
Notably, the Arewa Youth Community, serving as a representative voice for the northern region, recently took to social media to issue a compelling tweet. In this message, they called upon the various regions, including the north, south, and east, to unite in protest against the escalating cost of living and the perceived shortcomings in governance.
This noteworthy development reflects a growing consensus among diverse communities about the urgent need for collective action in the face of shared concerns related to economic hardships and governance issues. The call for a unified protest underscores the gravity of the situation and the demand for comprehensive solutions to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation.
Nigeria’s severe economic circumstances, which include skyrocketing food costs, hyperinflation, and widespread hunger impacting 26.5 million people, have made people feel scared and exhausted. There are a tonne of heartbreaking stories on social media about people passing out from hunger while going about their regular lives. Several voices have been raised, most notably by the Arewa Youth Community, calling for nationwide demonstrations against concerns related to government and the growing expense of life.
Immediate and comprehensive actions are required to go ahead, including focused relief efforts, economic reforms, and open governance. Organisations, governments, and communities must work together to solve the underlying issues and create a sustainable recovery plan.
Sources
- https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/20/hardship-you-only-care-about-yourself-aisha-yesufu-slams-protesters/
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/02/hardship-dont-join-protest-ohanaeze-directs-ndigbo/amp/
- https://www.thecable.ng/economic-hardship-no-igbo-group-will-join-protest-against-tinubus-government-says-ohanaeze/amp
- https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/02/20/red-cross-declares-nigerias-hunger-crisis-alarming-demands-immediate-attention
- https://saharareporters.com/2024/02/19/hardship-tinubu-apc-completely-overwhelmed-lack-capacity-competence-lead-nigeria-says
