As the situation worsens, it is no longer a headline in Nigerian newspapers that problems and sufferings befall Nigerians. In addition to other factors, the naira redesign policy is crucial in keeping poor Nigerians trapped in an impossible economic situation. Since then, the nuisance of the cashless policy has forced the masses to live.
The new government assumed the reins of power as life became more precarious and things continued to get worse. While reading his inaugural address, the President announced the removal of fuel subsidy in Eagle Square. Nigerians have seen a domino effect start on day two of the new administration and spread to all facets of their lives.
The value of PMS keep rising, due to the subsidy removal. The importation of food supplies and commodities to urban and rural regions was put at risk as the Nigerian transportation sector appeared to be the most affected sector. Charges and dues tripled, while the cost of transportation increased, the increases were reflected in the cost of food supplies, which caused stratospheric price increases.
The cost of a regular bag of rice increased from ₦60,000 to ₦100,000 in the months of June to August 2023, as did the cost of a bag of maize from ₦20,000 to ₦60,000, a bag of guinea corn from ₦18,000 to ₦60,000, and a bag of beans from ²30,000 to ₦70,000. Groundnut oil, palm oil, firewood, and foodstuffs all increase in price along with the cost of cooking supplies. The devaluation of the naira, which is crushing Nigerians’ meager incomes, is the worst part of the situation. Before these hard times, a person making ₦50,000 monthly could probably get by on their wage alone, with little or no debt. Due to these changes, a person making ₦150,000 monthly is no longer able to adequately support his family. The 3 square meals every day are now a pleasant surprise. Remember that its a rainy season, the time for people to diversify their incomes to their agricultural investments. Who thinks of the farm as both the young and the old go to bed hungry?
Life becomes intolerable as the challenges and tribulations increase. Nigerians’ screams of hunger and extreme poverty putting communities’ ability to live in peace at risk. Heavy rain and windstorms in Misau caused damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other resources. In addition, some who were affected by the situation could not withstand the difficulties and turned to thievery as a means of life.
Government have designed measures and initiatives to cushion the threat of the removal of fuel subsidy and hyperinflation in the nation in order to salvage the situation and humanity, to help the economy, the federal government created both short-term and long-term interventions. However, bureaucracy is threatening the implementation.
Government cannot meet everyone’s needs on its own, so the private and nonprofit sectors must work together to support it. To mitigate the effects of the situation, philanthropists across the nation started interventions by delivering food packages to households containing emergency aid materials.
Alh. Bappayo Shehu, a retired civil servant and philanthropist in Misau supported 250 households with relief packages on Saturday at a private event. His name has become well-known in Misau for his generosity to the community in various ways.
The philanthropist, as he normally does in a cases like this, built a database of 250 houses that were in urgent need of emergency assistance from his family, friends, associates, and neighbors. He sent them guineacorn and rice packets after evaluating their situation.
Malam Aliyu Muhammad as one of the beneficiaries shared his joy at receiving the palliative. “As I was relaxing in my room and reading the latest news—most of it depressing and upsetting from every angle—on Facebook, my phone rang. I picked and answered. I was asked to promptedly come out. I walked out gently because I knew the person. I greeted him and he handed over to me two large bags full with rice and guinea corn and added that its from Alh. Bappayo Shehu. I went more than two weeks without even tasting rice, I swear to Allah. In fact, it is timely.”
Saleh Mohammed, the other beneficiary, expresses gratitude to the donor for his generosity. “Alh. Bappayo’s willingness to help those in need is not out of the ordinary given as we knew him for the past three decades in Kesala and Misau. He is accustomed to it during all Ramadan and eid festivals. He also used to assist households during emergencies and special occasions. If you thank him for the charity, you will see from his body language that he prefers your secret prayers over praises. He is that person who will provide you from Allah’s blessings in secretly without making efforts to let you know that he assist you.”
The Imam of Masjid Sa’ad Bn Abi Waqqas Kesala Khadi Ahmad Yarima in commending the kindness and gesture said, “Alh. Bappayo Shehu is among the Misau emirate’s “tower of strength” and “rock of Gibraltar” for his remarkable performance and standing by his people. He is always accessible to and supportive of his relative, neighbors, friends and associates. He listens to their complaints and, if he is able, takes action in their matters. We pray to Almighty Allah to give him blessings, support, strength, and more opportunity to do tremendous things for Misau, Bauchi, and ultimately Nigeria. Ameen.”
