News

Economic Hardship: Nigerians Resorting to Extreme Measures for Survival

Published

4 months ago

September 14, 2024

Amidst the worsening economic crisis in Nigeria, fueled by soaring prices of fuel and inflation, citizens have been forced to adopt unconventional survival strategies, including the consumption of animal feed in some cases. As daily necessities become more expensive, many are turning to desperate measures just to make ends meet.

In Plateau State, women in Jos have resorted to feeding their families with maize chaff, locally known as ‘dusa’, typically reserved for animal consumption. Mrs. Gladys Tonggang, a concerned resident, expressed shock upon hearing about a pregnant mother of four using ‘dusa’ to feed her children after grinding it into a meal. With increasing demand, the price of this animal feed has reportedly risen by N500.

The effects of this economic downturn extend beyond food choices. A mechanic, Mr. Monday Adetola, shared that his customer base has significantly dwindled as fewer people can afford to drive their cars, leading to a reduction in vehicle maintenance needs. Similarly, a tailor named Murtala Musa has had to close his shop and switch to selling noodles and eggs due to the lack of customers.

In Ekiti State, a civil servant, Mr. Deji Ilori, disclosed that his family is skipping meals and relying on less nutritious food options as the cost of living skyrockets. With fuel prices reaching N1,000 per liter, he has abandoned his car and turned to public transportation, drastically altering his daily routine and diet. Other residents, like Uwamba Favour, a small business owner, are facing mounting expenses and dwindling profits, forcing them to sell products at cost price just to avoid further losses.

In Osun State, some women in Osogbo have resorted to street begging to feed their families. Taiwo, a mother of two, narrated how her husband’s struggles as a driver have left them dependent on neighbors for basic food supplies. Similarly, Usman Faruk, a student at Obafemi Awolowo University, has been working as a laborer to sustain himself, though even this is not enough to cover his food expenses.

Public transportation has also become a preferred option for many in Akwa Ibom State, where civil servants and private individuals alike are parking their vehicles due to the prohibitive cost of fuel. Estate surveyor, Madam Chinyere Ndon, now restricts her movements to essential trips, while tricycle operator Mr. Odudu Umoh laments the low profitability of his business due to the high cost of fuel and low passenger turnout.

In Cross River State, many residents have turned to urban farming to combat the rising cost of food. Even civil servants are using any available land to grow crops such as cassava, vegetables, and yams, while some, like Mr. Genesis, have transformed their homes into small farms to sustain themselves. Others are selling off personal items to cope with the harsh realities.

Meanwhile, in Ogun State, residents like Mr. Bolade Adeniyi, a taxi driver, have adapted by working only during peak hours, supplementing their income with backyard farming. Civil servants like Mr. Olorode Akinlabi have even turned their personal vehicles into commercial ones, ferrying passengers after work to meet financial obligations.

Kaduna State residents are also feeling the brunt of the crisis, with some families eating only once a day. In rural areas, people are relying on the goodwill of neighbors or resorting to wild plants for food. In Benue, citizens have stopped making non-essential trips due to high transportation costs, and many are growing their own food to survive.

Across Nigeria, the economic hardships have led to various survival strategies, from farming in urban spaces to selling off possessions. However, the common cry from citizens is for government intervention to ease the burden through fuel price adjustments and support for those struggling to provide for their families. Without such measures, the nation’s most vulnerable may continue to endure unimaginable hardship.

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CLARIFICATION: Wike’s aide gives authentic reason on his trip to UK

Published

2 minutes ago

January 19, 2025

Naijablitznews

The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has rubbished claims that his principal traveled to London for medical treatment.

Olayinka expressed disbelief, querying how Wike could have been rushed to London on Thursday night and yet returned by Friday to visit the Dape community in Life Camp.

He criticized those perpetuating such rumors, noting the irony of questioning the health of a minister who is actively visible in public.

In a Facebook post, Olayinka said, “Some are claiming that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was flown to London for medical attention on Thursday night.

“They’ve even provided specific times and an aircraft number.

“Well, if Wike was indeed flown to London on Thursday for urgent medical treatment, then he must have used witchcraft to return on Friday to visit the Dape community in Life Camp, as well as Gishiri and Pigba Sama communities in Abuja.

“Interestingly, the Minister will again use his so-called witchcraft to return to Abuja on Monday to commence the commissioning of road projects.

“People who haven’t undergone a medical check-up in over ten years are the ones speculating about the health of a Minister who is actively seen every day performing his duties. Let them continue!”

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Port Harcourt refinery: NNPCL disowns recruitment notice

Published

4 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disclaimed a purported recruitment announcement for the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), warning the public against falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

In a statement released on its official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday evening, the oil company clarified that no separate recruitment process was ongoing for PHRC beyond the one initiated in 2024.

The statement, titled “NNPC Ltd Disclaims Purported Recruitment Announcement for PHRC,” was signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has urged members of the public to discountenance purported recruitment announcement for the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) circulating in certain online platforms,” the statement read.

NNPC Ltd further explained that its recruitment process, which commenced last year, covered all its subsidiaries, including PHRC. The company noted that candidates who passed the Computer-Based Aptitude Test were proceeding to the interview stage.

“The purported recruitment link being circulated in various online platforms is the handiwork of fraudsters who are keen on taking advantage of the newly revamped Port Harcourt Refinery to fleece unsuspecting members of the public with a phantom recruitment announcement. We, therefore, call on members of the public to be wary of the ploy and not fall for it,” the statement warned.

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Hajj 2023 refund: Pilgrims from Adamawa get N61,080 each

Published

4 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Adamawa State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Commission has disbursed N61,080 to each of the 2023 pilgrims from the state over poor services rendered to them by the service providers while in Saudi Arabia.

The executive secretary of the pilgrims commission, Malam Abubakar Salihu, disbursed the refunded money, saying it was a step of accountability.

The disbursement was paid into the account of the pilgrims or, for those without account numbers, through the local government schedule officers of the 21 local governments of the state.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Shuaibu Musa Mele appreciated the commission for ensuring that each pilgrim gets his rightful refund.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had earlier refunded money through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, for sharing among the 36 states of the country.