COVID-19: Calamity as well as blessing
As the world awaits the vaccines for the pandemic, economic, political, social, and educational activities have been put on hold. The changes brought by the coronavirus in Nigeria are visible and have since forced governments at state and federal levels to request for loans and donations. Some governments and private institutions have started lay-offs, slashing […]
As the world awaits the vaccines for the pandemic, economic, political, social, and educational activities have been put on hold. The changes brought by the coronavirus in Nigeria are visible and have since forced governments at state and federal levels to request for loans and donations.
Some governments and private institutions have started lay-offs, slashing salaries of their workers to cushion the financial effect of the pandemic.
The pestilence has thrown its sword more on non-consumable businesses especially during the lockdown period. This has introduced untold hardship on Nigerians. Despite the economic downturn, prices of commodities, especially consumable ones have skyrocketed.
On the other hand, businessmen who are selling the skyrocketed products enjoy the impact of the coronavirus disease. This portrays the inhumanity attached to their hearts as well as a lack of sympathy for the sanctity of human lives.
Coronavirus has given rise to social and attitudinal changes. Handshake mode of greetings have been suspended, social and physical distancing has been enforced. Wearing of face mask and hand gloves have become the order of the day. Curfew and lockdown have restrained Nigerians from going about their normal activities.
Governments and health sectors have completely moved their attention to the control of coronavirus. This affects other health-related issues. People with diseases like diabetes, AIDS, hypertension, malaria, typhoid other diseases that need extensive care are finding it difficult to access health care due to the COVID-19 impact. This, according to some experts is responsible for the incessant deaths in Kano.
The pestilence has uncovered poor health facilities in the country, which have been whimpering for attention for over a decade.
The pandemic is indeed a calamity and a blessing. It is a calamity because it destroys almost everything in the world, and a blessing because it comes to teach us lessons.
Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Bayero University Kano [email protected]