By all accounts, the outgone year 2020 could rightly be described as Annus horriblis both in Nigeria and the world generally. It was the year in which the whole world was laid low by the COVID-19 pandemic, which not only claimed millions of lives, but also brought the global economy to its knees.
Indeed, governments around the world were compelled to enforce total lockdown in their countries following the spread of the pandemic, leading to total cancellation and grounding of local and international transportation. All manner of physical contact and interaction were severely restricted, which in turn drastically affected economic and commercial relations within and between countries.
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By the time the pandemic started to ease off, the world had slipped into an economic recession. And with the reported incidence of the second wave of the pandemic now in full force, it is quite clear that the last has not been seen of the plague.
Our experience in Nigeria has not been any different although we were fortunate to have recorded relatively fewer fatalities from the pandemic. But the economic impact has been devastating following the prolonged but necessary lockdown instituted by the authorities to curb its spread. The ever vibrant and productive economic relations Nigeria is known for took a hit as millions of livelihoods shrunk or shut down completely.
Added to this is the scourge of insecurity, which continued unabated with several recorded incidences in parts of the country contributing to the general sense of desperation among the populace.
As we entered the closing weeks of the year 2020 with an economic recession, coupled with recorded incidences of the second wave of COVID-19 as well as the spike in insecurity, the prospects certainly may not look encouraging.
But Nigeria is well known for its resilience and ability to prevail over adversity. Even with the combined effects of the foregoing three, there are clear signs that the famous never say die spirit of Nigerians is beginning to manifest in coping with the situation.
It is this spirit that will increasingly come through as we welcome the New Year. In this regard, there are encouraging reports indicating that we will grow out of the economic recession by the end of the first quarter of the New Year. As for the second wave of the COVID-19, it is also heartening that in their usual creative ways, Nigerians have found ways to cope with the pandemic and keep it largely at bay. We have also learnt to embed the protocols of the pandemic as requested by the authorities in our daily lives, which will certainly go a long way in curbing its spread in the second wave, which is on-going.
The greatest challenge, however, remains the insecurity ravaging the land. It has proven to be hydra-headed in different forms and in various parts of the country; terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, sectarian crises and the like.
Here again, it is encouraging that the federal and state governments have stepped up efforts to degrade the scourge. We also note that the government has responded to the well-meaning suggestions by Nigerians across the board on how to tackle the issue. And Nigerians themselves have not allowed the incidence of insecurity to dampen their morale in pursuing their daily chores, especially in the worst-affected areas. This again is a reflection of the famous spirit of Nigerian resilience and perseverance in the face of daunting odds. With these concerted efforts from the government and other stakeholders, we expect to gradually see off the siege of insecurity in the land in the New Year.
Aside from these, there are reasons to be hopeful that as the tempo of political activities pick up in the New Year in the run-up to the 2023 elections; the public space will liven up with political parties, groups and civil society organisations making their pitch in various ways. Not only will this spice up the lives of Nigerians as the debates flow back and forth, but some economic benefits will also trickle down too as the political space opens with the demand and supply factors of political engagements.
In all, notwithstanding the pervading atmosphere of gloom, 2021 brings with it a silver lining, which Nigerians will as usual look to with hope and optimism.
Let us, therefore, welcome 2021 with optimism despite our prevailing circumstances.
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