In this post, I will delve into the journey of leadership in Nigeria. Nigeria is my country, a land that is full of milk and honey, but where is the milk and honey? The leaders are the only ones enjoying it. Reflecting on the past leaders we had and our current situation. Looking back to 2011, during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan.
I remember a time when life felt relatively manageable for all strata of society. It was a period marked by a minimal cost of living, allowing both the rich and the poor to thrive. Food prices were affordable. That is, a bag of rice cost only #8,000, fuel cost #87 per liter, gas was about #250 per kg, and other essential commodities remained within reach for everyone. When I started working in 2013, despite my low salary income, I was able to live comfortably. Even those considered needy were managing to live comfortably.
However, in 2015, the call for change resonated across the nation, everybody was clamoring for a change to the extent that babies were also shouting APC change here and there, leading to the election of Mohammed Buhari, a figure who had a controversial history with Nigeria, having previously ruled as a military head of state.
The ramifications of this decision brought us to what we are facing now. Almost immediately, Buhari imposed border closures that drastically affected the influx of goods from neighboring countries. Prices for basic food items changed, tripling within a remarkably short period as in it was so short for the sudden change. What was once a pleasant existence rapidly became an unpleasant struggle.
Suddenly, the average person found it increasingly difficult to afford three square meals; how do you want to eat it when tomorrow's meal is yet unknown? The youth were compelled to intensify their hustle, while many graduates roamed the streets in search of employment opportunities that seemed to dwindle by the day. With no other options, some turned to internet fraud, seeking quick solutions to their desperate circumstances.
There cost of transportation increased, and rents doubled, compounding the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. For eight years under Buhari's leadership, Nigeria experienced stagnation, and many projects were halted. School fees rose significantly, forcing families who are not buoyant to delay their children’s education, often waiting for one sibling to graduate before enrolling another.
As we entered 2023, the emergence of yet another leader ignited a sense of hope among the populace. However, to our dismay, this new administration has continued down the same troubled path laid by Buhari. Instead of improvement, conditions became even worse: Electricity tariffs increased, telecommunication tariffs increased, fuel is a no-go area, and so many others, leaving many to struggle every day. Today, the darkness of disillusionment looms over the nation, as we yearn for a change that seems not ever coming. It is well with us🙏
In examining our leadership journey, it becomes clear that the dreams of a prosperous Nigeria remain unfulfilled, and the quest for effective governance continues to elude us.
My response to the #hivelearners weekly edition on the topic: A little change.
Images are sourced.
Thank you for reading 💕
it's nice to read stories about Nigeria
Pleasant and unpleasant stories👌
The most tragic aspect of this is that during the time of Goodluck Jonathan everyone believed that if they voted another president from a different political party things we get a lot better but here we are years after, things have gotten a lot worse. It seems the change APC was promoting was never meant to bring good fortunes.
They thought, we thought, and here we are, blaming ourselves for the 2015 decision; it has brought nothing but shame.
May God heal the Land 🙏
I think the best leader's are the blessing of God and we don't have this blessing 😒
So painful!
We need to keep praying for the best!
Yes indeed