The economic strangulation in the country has reached a crescendo. Life is so unbearable because many individuals earn income that cannot meet even the most basic daily needs.
The foreign exchange rate is skyrocketing everyday: a dollar now exchanges for N1,025. The Japa syndrome has led to serious dislocations in the health sector, where more than 10,000 medical personnel have flown out of the country in the quest for greener pastures.
In recent times, a clarion call was made to all retired dentists across the country to report to their duty posts as contract staff. In the education sector, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are threatening to go on strike over their unpaid eight months’ salaries.
In the oil sector, things are not going well: virtually all the refineries are yet to be resuscitated across the country. There are no more price control bodies in the country and the prices of goods and services are skyrocketing daily, especially given the rising foreign exchange rate.
Nigeria used to be the cynosure of all eyes on the African continent. It is now a pity that the country has lost its elite status. The people in authority must act very quickly to address the situation.
The present crop of leaders should learn from great role models, dead or alive, including statesmen like Nelson Mandela of blessed memory, who made great efforts to improve the standards of living of South Africans.
I, therefore, implore our leaders to evolve measures that will put an end to the hardship in the country.
- Michael Olalekan Oladimeji, Ibadan.
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