SHADE-IN

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered “coronavirus”. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from coughing and sneezing from an infected person and attacks the respiratory systems. Presently there are no specific treatments or vaccines for COVID-19. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported over 1,000 cases in 21 states in Nigeria, a month after the index case was reported. Consequently, federal and state governments have enforced lockdowns at different levels and forced people to stay indoors and all economic activities are put on hold except for critical and essential services. However, there are growing concerns about safety, health, and economic implications during this period. The truth is that if COVID-19 breaks out in Nigeria at an overwhelming rate, the entire health system would collapse. According to the WHO (2004), there are approximately 5 hospital beds

Following our discussion on part 1, it is obvious that our country, Nigeria is not prepared and do not have the capacity or what it takes to deal with a total lockdown. Any further dependence on foreign aid will continue to put our nation on the negative. We have seen the rise in crime in recent times which is a clear indication of the danger that lies ahead. We must come together, take ownership of our problem and tell ourselves the sincere truth about the nation we all have watched deteriorate to the present state. This is not the time to put the blame on anyone, but as leaders, let us go back to the drawing board and fix all the mess. Leadership across all levels must understand this and show example. State governments should be allowed to take their own initiative to support their citizens. It is no doubt that following the current situation, many may loose their jobs, some may experience salary cut, while others may have issues of unpaid salaries. This is expected, bu

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a strong swipe on the economy of nations. We see big nations seeking for help to stop the death of citizens. The pain and loss is massive and it calls for concern. Nations who have put their citizens first and have saved for such a time as this may survive the lockdown for a longer period, but many nations in Africa if not checked may go into extinction. It is no news that Nigeria as a nation which largely depends on crude oil sales for its survival is suffering the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, as most nations buying Nigerian crude are having their economy grounded and as such economic activities have drastically reduced. Oil price per barrel following Nigerian's 2020 budgeted is set at a benchmark of $57 but we have seen a steady decline to less than $35. This means a lot for us as a nation. As a nation, if we must survive this time, our government, private sector players and traders must reach an understanding to build a culture that w