THIS LOCKDOWN HAS BOTH BEEN POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE: NIGERIAN YOUTHS REACT
It is not hidden how the coronavirus pandemic has been ravaging the whole world for the last five months. There is over two million confirmed cases in the world, about 180,000 deaths has been recorded while about 701,000 cases have been recovered. Spain and Italy have the most confirmed cases of coronavirus and more deaths have been recorded in these two countries. However, Nigeria is not left out among countries where confirmed cases of the virus has been recorded, Nigeria records currently 782 cases, 25 deaths while 197 patients have been discharged. Several businesses have come to a halt and major activities have been restricted. The virus disease has brought about lot of adverse effects, among which is incessant robbery, hunger and restriction of movement.
Nigerian youths reacted to the effect of the pandemic:
Alabi Israel Oluwamayormikun— This pandemic has greatly affected me both positively and negatively. First, my school academic calendar is far behind schedule and the impromptu lockdown will in no way help issues. I am not exempted from the popular effects as the restriction of movement, incessant robbery and hunger strike have been smiling at me during this period. I reside in Lagos and the lockdown is very serious. However, the lockdown has not been without its good. I have been able to sit down plan my future and also set long term goals, I also read more books and watch more movie as well in this period. As a Christian too I have time to study my bible and also pray. Akewusola Oluwadamilola Oluwadarasimi— Coronavirus has affected me personally and work wise. It has limited my movement to go out. I am unable to work, part of my work in experiential marketing entails creating a space for consumers and products to interact and this is impossible because of the lockdown. There are lot of robbery as well as poverty in Nigeria. This makes me uncomfortable due to fear of hoodlums around my environment. Hammed Abeeb— There is no enough money and because of the social distance I am unable to meet my friends and family. Babatunde Taiwo— Restriction of right to freedom of movement and abrupt end to academic session. Anuoluwapo Israel —The disease has affected my school calendar. Only God knows when the virus will stop Mudasiru Bolaji— Firstly it has affected academics because resumption is not visible for now. There is also limit to where I can go. Obianuka Linda Chidinmma— Truly this present pandemic has caused different threat to us Nigerians. To me, it has not been easy at all. The robbery issue has been disturbing and making every member of my family scared both afternoon and night. I spend more on data now than before. Price of Foodstuffs and other materials like vegetables are now high. And I guess this is because of no transportation to and fro the state. Alatise Aisha Adeola— Well I can’t really say it affected me in a big way just that restriction of movement of a thing got me. You know being indoor all day with boredom eating your soul. Adediran Favour— Coronavirus has adversely affected me in many ways because I already had plans for this period but the lockdown has helped me by giving me time to examine my life, work on some habits and also connect with people. Ogunlade Olamide( MideChoco)— Just as we all know that there are two sides to a cutlass. Coronavirus has affected me in both ways. It made kind of lazy at times because there are less engaging things to do. Then due to insecurity hitch too there was fear at some point and disturbance in the night. No free flow of income. On the other side, it is making me to discover myself little by little, my flaws and try out some things. Awomodu Oluwatobi Josephine— The outbreak of the coronavirus disease has in no doubt affected every individual and the world at large. Personally, the indefinite pandemic has not been good. As a student who was on break before the disease outbreak, I had plans to work and get more experience as a student of history but that plan has been thwarted, thanks to Coronavirus disease(COVID19). Financially, this pandemic break has yielded no increase. No means to earn money. Even the relief disbursement is yet to get to my family and neighbourhood. This lockdown is completely bad. A lot of human beings are starving yet it looks like this is just the beginning. Fagbemi Joshua Olusegun— Still thanking God am still privileged to have my three square meal per day. The only threat can be tabled to that of restriction of movement. I had plans to hustle for 2-3 months before resuming back to school so as to get some funds. But here I am sitting at home 24/7 for the past 5 weeks .Although, have not been that bored, I am used to been my own best friend, just that am restricted to get some cash. Okelola Abigael— There is shortage of income at home. Ojediran Tosin Peter—I will first talk about the benefits even though they are not significant as the negative effects. It has opened me to some opportunities in regards to make money online. Also, before Covid19, my job is hectic, I hardly have time to improve on myself but now I enjoy a hassle free day in day out activities. However, I cant say because of this benefit that I am okay. I am not. I missed church which is like my family house and I fear losing my skills of playing some musical instrument. Things are costly and the fear of contracting the disease is another thing, its really affecting me to live my life the way I want it cause the fear of Corona virus is the beginning of safety. Ibrahim Azeez Olaoluwa— It made it clear to me that boredom is real and that quarantine kills slowly when you don’t get in touch with friends.