HOPE IN THE MIDST OF DISPAIR.

Nigeria is among the 20 poorest nations in the world, as almost 66% of Nigerians live below the poverty line of one US dollar a day. Nigeria, a country of over 133 million people, has experienced severe hardship since the decline of the oil boom. The large scale unemployment and the desperation for survival among the populace have led to numerous vices. Despite huge resources and efforts directed at restoring progressive social norms, Nigeria is acclaimed to be the second most corrupt nation in the world. These factors and many others have affected the country’s overall prosperity, with a weakening currency and high inflation. Unemployment rates and poverty levels drastically worsen by the day. For the average Nigerian, diverse problems create a hopeless state of economic uncertainty. Companies are forced to downsize and retire their staff early. Plundering of the nation’s scarce resources and high capital flight to foreign banks continue to make our country an enigma before patriots of other nations, despite the war against corruption being waged by the federal government. Bringing it to the individual level, Nigerians, especially students, now have limited control over their destiny. Citizens in employment realize that, though they do not have any spare time for other important things in their lives, they are overworked and underpaid. Debts, bills and medical costs rob families of financial resources. Our purchasing power has fallen more than 14,000% since the time the Naira was at par with the dollar in the 70’s. From the above analysis, it is obvious that the entire situation in the country offers no bright future for the working class and the youth. The youths in general are pummeled with various criminal options calling for their attention, such as advanced fee fraud (419), internet fraud, etc. Many have lost their sense of destiny and are left in a state of utter despondency. As a result, the mindset of the youth can be depicted in the French saying ‘Que sera sera’ meaning ‘What will be, will be.’ There is no drive to excel, as many look for better opportunities outside Nigerian shores. Is there a way out of this hopeless situation? Can we wriggle out of this confusing state we find ourselves in? Is there any solution or have we gone beyond the state of redemption? Can anyone still find the drive within to succeed? Where can we find these answers? Do we wait for the government or can we find them within ourselves? Surely there is hope in the midst of despair.
These answers lie within you! They are in your mind. Whatever goals and dreams you can envision in your mind will materialize in your life. Think about that for a minute! Whatever you focus your mind and energies on will manifest itself into reality. You should learn to conceptualize your dreams, this way they will soon become real. Just like an artistic concept waiting to be created by the artist, so are your dreams waiting to materialize. It is time to brace yourself and redirect your focus from the dismal situation of the country.