Covid-19
in Nigeria: A Reality Or Fantasy?
The world is fighting a war with Corona Virus, the most difficult enemy that has ever confronted mankind and as such, thousands of souls have been lost within a short period of the battle. As days, weeks and months passes by, the numbers of death cases kept increasing and the deadly virus continues to spread rapidly among mankind like a wildfire scorching the savannah forest. However, the virus as I must say is a global pandemic and requires a global unity in putting an end to it.
The first case of COVID-19
virus in Nigeria was announced on 28th of February 2020, which started like a
drop of the rain and gradually tending to make an ocean. Virtually every Nigerians
took it for granted, believing it was unrealistic and fabricated by our
political elites. Ever since then, over hundred Nigerians have been infected by
this deadly virus but fortunately enough, it was also reported that certain
numbers of infected patient have recovered from the virus and discharged from
various isolation center within the country. However, it is very unfortunate
that a majority of Nigerians still doubt the authenticity of COVID-19 Virus
even while it is a bit visible to the blind and audible to deaf.
How pathetic it is that
when we walk within the ghetto we still hear ignorant Nigerians clamoring that
corona virus is a scam and the government is siphoning public funds from it. I
must meekly say, the question shouldn't be maybe Corona Virus is a scam or not?
But a question of how do we survive the battle while putting an end to the virus?
As a nation and
"Giant of Africa" that we are known for, our focus should strongly
rally on how we can collectively put an end to this virus, primed and united to
deny it any opportunity of spreading further. So far, records still shows that Nigeria
is consider among few countries in the world with less number of covid-19 virus
cases compared to America, China, Italy, Spain, France, South Africa, Algeria
etc, but however sadly rated high among African countries with most recorded
cases.
Thus, if Nigeria really
wants to put an end to this deadly virus, her citizens and the government of
the day must not be left behind to be told the truth.
To Nigeria Citizens; we
must all devote ourselves to be over patriotic to abide by the local laws been
implemented by the government and strictly adhere to medical precautions that
has been proposed as a means of further measures to prevent infections and
spread of the virus. Although, I must acknowledge the fact that there are
certain laws that would be very difficult for her citizens to adhere as it is
boom abusively to our cultural and traditional lifestyle as a means of
survival. But then, we must comply with the law for our own good and safety.
"Hunger go kill us
before the lie lie Corona virus" How government want make we survive ?
Some of us, if we no go out, we no fit provide food for ourselves and family. A
thread from lips of majority Nigerians. Subsequently the government should
strongly shift it's focus mainly to the struggle of Human survival. A struggle
between Hunger and the Virus.
To Nigeria Government;
it is most important to realize that behind the COVID-19 health scare, there
lies economic crash on the horizon that could disrupt and cause bitterness to
the lives of her citizens. As government of the day, there should be a need to
design stimulus package to help the poor and industries severely suffering from
the economic effects of the Covid-19 lockdown, likewise provision of free hand
sanitizers and distribution of free nose masks among her people should be made
to prevent further spread of the virus.
In conclusion, I urge
the federal government and the academic community to come together in resolving
the circles of conflicts and strikes as it has devastating consequences to our
education system. The interest of the students must be protected by both the
Federal Government and ASSU and as such, both parties must ensure that our
educational sector is protected. "The Students Are The Leaders Of
Tomorrow". Therefore, the government should do everything possible to
ensure a smooth running of our education without any forms of distractions.
Written by
Balema Denja Abdulrazak
SYNW Coordinator in Federal University Lokoja (FUL)
08164572925
denjaabdulrazak@gmail.com
denjaabdulrazak@gmail.com
