THE STATE OF THE NATION
Ask Nigerians how they feel about the present state of the nation and you will get replies that hinge on the ambience of angst [in most cases] or hopefulness but you will rarely hear someone say: 'it's outrightly good' safe for the one who ascribes to view things through 'the eye of faith'. However, one cannot blame the 'doubters' as their concerns cannot be waved aside- as unfounded- when one considers the 'dispiriting' and 'tense' aura that surrounds some topical issues of national concerns.
At this very moment; Nigeria as a nation is contending with a whole lot of issues. Conspicuous among the many issues are the indisposition of the president, who is reportedly recuperating in a hospital in the United Kingdom and volatile and tension-inducing events [like the political and religious agitations] that have been brewing for some times now- although this seems to have abated to some extent over the last couple of time and one could only hope that resolutions that foster peaceful co-existence are reached in good and appreciable time.
The shift in Administration
Before travelling [to attend to his ailing health] on the 19th of January, 2017, the President, Muhammadu Buhari handed over power- this has helped to curtail the incidence of any administrative hiatus that was witnessed during the last administration when there was a similar case of the president's indisposition- to the vice-president who has since assumed the position of the president albeit in an acting capacity. But despite the handing over, Nigerians have been raising concerns over the 'indefinite'/prolonged absence of the elected president and with the rumour mills continually being awashed with different news, the dust might never get settled until the presidency makes an assertive declaration on the state of the president's health.
Unemployment remains a 'bottleneck'
Although one might be right to say that no nation on earth has been able to completely efface unemployment but the rate of unemployment can be sporadically reduced. The Nigerian unemployment situation appears 'unchanged'- rooted to a spot- with no major improvement [in the aspect of job creation] as the unemployment rate stays at 13.3%- which is far beyond the 'endurable' rate for a healthy economy.
Pyramid schemes reign supreme
The rapidity at which different pyramid schemes are emerging has been utterly profound as the state of the economy and financial encumbrance keep lamentations alive in the hearts of the citizens. Thus some have seen these schemes as a way of seeking quick escape from the apprehension of financial insecurity/'malaise'. Nonetheless, the authenticity and trustworthiness of these schemes are still under scrutiny.
Naira gains some ground on Dollar
If there has been any improvement- though maybe meagre- in Nigeria's economy, it is down to how the Naira is gradually regaining some lost grounds as against the downward spiral the exchange rate had been taking before the acting president began to oversee the administrative function of the nation. The effects of the unstable nature of the exchange rate cannot be overemphasized as the prices of various commodities shoot up and one can only hope that the Naira survives- at least to a striking degree- the onslaught.
One could go on and on talking about the problems bedeviling the nation but never would there be any way forward should we, as a nation maintain a 'care-free' attitude- it is commendable to discuss these issues and also seek a redress as push for national development. There has always been a great tendency to 'sweep things under the carpet' and move on with life...and as the African music legend, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti rightly puts it: 'suffering and smiling...', we look to make some obvious facts non-existing but for how long shall continue to do this? The issues facing us as a nation must be addressed with firmness and effective 'mindstorming' before real progress can be made.