News

Economic Hardship: Nigerians Resorting to Extreme Measures for Survival

Published

6 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.

News

Ramadan: Speaker Abbas Urges Muslims To Pray For Peace, Prosperity of Nigeria

Published

3 hours ago

March 1, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

As the Islamic faithful begin the Ramadan fasting today, Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerian Muslims to pray for the country and its leaders.

Speaker Abbas in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said Nigeria’s unity is paramount, which is why adherents of all religions must continue to offer sincere prayers for the country.

While noting that Nigeria needs divine intervention, the Speaker stated that the political, religious, and traditional leaders also need divine guidance to lead the people aright.

He specifically called for prayers and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to continue to believe in the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the administration.

The Speaker also urged Nigerians to pray for the 10th National Assembly, especially the leadership, saying the federal parliament has many dividends of democracy to offer the people.

Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah (SWT) for a successful completion of Ramadan and acceptance of the prayers and supplications during the Holy Month.

He said: “I wish our brothers and sisters in Islam a successful Ramadan. I urge Muslims and non-Muslims alike to pray for our country, Nigeria, the leaders at the federal, state, and local government levels, as well as our religious and traditional leaders.

“Let us pray for peace and prosperity of our dear country. The skills and competencies of the leaders are not enough; let us pray for divine wisdom for us to be able to steer the country out of the current socio-economic turbulence. Together, we shall overcome our challenges.”

He urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues that come with the Holy month of Ramadan.

News

Just in: Ramadan begins today -Sultan declares

Published

8 hours ago

March 1, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Fasting in the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth of the 12 Islamic calendar year, begins today, Saturday March 1, 2025, the Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, declared on Friday.

The Sultan explained that his declaration followed verified and authenticated reports from various Muslim leaders across the country, which he said had been accepted.

The Sultan said: “Today, Friday, 28th February, 2025, brings us to the end of Sha’ban. Reports of positive sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan were brought to us by various leaders across the country. We have verified and have authenticated such reports and have duly accepted such reports.

“Therefore, tomorrow, 1st March, 2025, makes it 1st Ramadan 1446 After Hijrah,” the Sultan said.

He, therefore, called on Muslims in the country to commence the fasting while also urging them to pray for leaders to enable them to lead the nation and its people well.

He seized the opportunity of the announcement to enjoin well-to-do Muslims to reach out and give to the less privileged or needy during the period.

News

NAFDAC paints popular Indian company black over alleged sale of harmful

Published

8 hours ago

March 1, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pt Limited, an Indian company, over the illegal production and exportation of dangerous opioid combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria.

Opioids are a class of drugs that work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including pain relief.

Opioid drugs include prescription pain medicine and illegal drugs.

In a statement on Friday, NAFDAC said investigations revealed that the company, managed by Vinod Sharma on the outskirts of Mumbai in India, is responsible for manufacturing and distributing Tafrodol and Royal 225 drugs containing a harmful mix of tapentadol and carisoprodol.

Tapentadol is a powerful opioid, and carisoprodol is a banned muscle relaxant.

The agency said the substances pose severe health risks such as respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and death to users.

“A BBC World Service investigation exposed how packets of these drugs, branded with the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo, have been found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire,” the statement reads.

“Further evidence confirmed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals is also involved in the illegal exportation of high-dose tramadol above 100 mg, a strength not registered or approved by NAFDAC.

“Undercover footage captured Vinod Sharma admitting to the mass distribution of these opioids for abuse as street drugs across West Africa.

“Given the severity of these findings, NAFDAC has taken decisive action to blacklist Aveo Pharmaceuticals and block any future registration of its products in Nigeria.”

NAFDAC said it is committed to protecting public health by enforcing international best practices in pharmaceutical regulation, including stringent product registration, good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspections, post-marketing surveillance, and pre-shipment inspections for high-risk imports.

The agency said it has intensified enforcement operations against illicit pharmaceuticals in major drug distribution hubs across the country.

NAFDAC urged the public to avoid unregistered medicines and only use prescription drugs dispensed by licensed healthcare professionals.

“With continued vigilance and public support, NAFDAC will persist in its fight against the circulation of fake, substandard, and dangerous pharmaceuticals in Nigeria,” the agency said.