HOW TO SURVIVE IN NIGERIA IN TIMES OF CRISES

THE UNDERLYING FEAR AND QUESTION OF HOW TO SURVIVE IN NIGERIA

There has been an underlying concern amongst citizens of Nigeria about what the future holds for Nigeria. The recent occurrences in Nigeria have shown a regress in different aspects of society, raising up questions of how to survive in Nigeria in these times of crises. The insecurity issues in Nigeria –kidnapping issues, robbery, fraud, killings; the financial issues –unemployment, currency value depreciation, extortion, bribery etc. So many cases arise every new day. Either there is a recent attack in a place or someone has been kidnapped or such related stories.

Despite the fact that not everyone is speaking out, it is obvious that there is panic in the hearts of citizens. People go about their daily activities with fear in their hearts, not knowing what the next minute holds. The most frightening part is the fact that things keep getting worse by the day, and it appears it will continue that way. This fear has led to low productivity from citizens. Having no hope of a better future, so many people work just to survive and sustain themselves. This makes them worry less about growth and development in their country.

A SEEMINGLY HOPE-LESS SITUATION IN NIGERIA

Those who think of growth and development usually think about it outside the ambience of Nigeria. This is because Nigeria has become akin to crises. If the complaint today is about the economy, it does not get solved and another one comes up. They keep on piling and piling until indescribable situations arise. This is the current situation in Nigeria. There is a pile of issues yet to be solved and yet issues keep on arising each new day.

The current happening in Nigeria is that almost everybody wants to survive and live better even if it means stepping on the toes of others or crushing other people in order to rise. This situation has caused an increase in the misery that has already befallen the country. With the recent cases hovering around  unknown gunmen, Biafra, Oduduwa etc. the tension has grown rapidly and people are suspecting that a war may ensue.

POSSIBLE WAYS TO SURVIVE IN NIGERIA IN TIMES OF CRISES

With the fear in the hearts of citizens about the insecurity issues and impending war, there is a need to take advantage of the signs that are pointing towards war and start creating strategies on how to survive in Nigeria amidst crises and in the future when the tension may get worse or a possible war will come into reality.

Below are some of the ways to survive in Nigeria in times of crises

#1 OBSERVE, PAY ATTENTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH LATEST INFORMATION

There are specific areas that we need to focus on in times of crises. When there is tension in different areas of society there is a need to become more observant in order to know the recent issues that are going on in the country. Observing our environment, listening to the news and asking questions regularly will help us to get more ideas about the happenings in our environment. This will help foster prompt action when required. If we remain in the dark about issues going on in Nigeria, uncertain events may take us by surprise and affect us all the more.

#2 RESTRICT YOUR MOVEMENT AND EMBRACE THE VIRTUAL WORLD

During times of crises, there is a need to reduce every movement and if possible to stay at a place without going out. This means that you should purchase your foodstuffs and all other basic needs in bulk so that there is no need to go out often. The reason is due to the uncertain nature of the streets in times of crises.

To make sure you maintain healthy communication with friends and also earn enough to cover expenses, there is a need to embrace the virtual world. This includes communicating with people over social media and working from home through virtual means. This will make it possible to stay indoors as long as necessary.

#3 ENCOURAGE AND MOTIVATE OTHER PEOPLE AROUND YOU

During times of crises, we do not need to focus entirely on ourselves. It is a time to show love and care to other people. This can be achieved by motivating them to keep striving, giving them hope of a brighter future. Due to the psychological issues that are associated with crises, so many people tend to go to extremes not knowing what to do. People may begin to give up their values and act in ways contrary to their beliefs and set principles.

Encouraging other people around you will make the whole idea of living through this period successful and less demanding. Also, working together with other people will enable every person to gain more confidence in the efforts they are making to survive the period.

#4 LEARN EXTRA SKILLS – DEVELOP WHAT YOU LOVE DOING

Learning a skill during times of crises can be very useful in different ways. It can be a way of keeping oneself happy amidst the whole difficult situation. Developing in the areas that you love can be a way of keeping yourself happy and healthy. Learning new skills can also be a way of dealing with the financial issues of the period. By learning new skills, you automatically increase your ability to generate income too.

When one ventures into learning new skills, it can be a distraction from the situations of the period. The whole process of learning something new will help you live through the period as though nothing was happening. It reduces the tension of the period as one is plunged into the mode of activity.

#5 PRAY AND FOCUS ON SPIRITUALITY

In order to survive during crises, there is a need to start paying attention to spiritual matters. It is a period you can use to grow your spirituality by praying for yourself and for other people. Since the period automatically comes with solitude and loneliness, you can take advantage of the situation and make a great improvement in your spiritual life. Paying attention to spirituality will help you view the whole situation from a different perspective and be less disturbed about safety.

CONCLUSION

With the recent experience of the COVID-19 situation in Nigeria, it is observed that there is a need to prepare for times of uncertainty. The pandemic shook so many citizens and there was so much confusion on what to do next. This is why we should think about what we can do in times of such crises. What if there is a war? what if another pandemic breaks out? What if the killings increase?

All these and many more should occupy our minds so that we are not taken unawares. It is most important at this time when there are so many signs of impending danger. The tips for survival listed above can be a reference point in terms of how to survive in Nigeria in times of crises. However, it is not exhaustive but points rather to the array of opportunities available to use as regards surviving in crises.