The effect of the economic situation in the country does not exempt anyone as it takes its toll on the rich and poor, young or old. Every day comes with different problem. Some pupils of Barokallahu Nursery & Primary School, Ori-EruAlarobo area, Dizengoff , Iwo-Road, Ibadan share how they are feeling the economic situation in the country.
Alimmoshood Ibraheem, 8 yrs old, Basic 4
Our parents are seriously feeling the effect of the economic situation in Nigeria, and as children, we are not left out. Prices of our snacks have gone up. Since the president announced removal of fuel subsidy removal, the quantity and quality of our snacks have reduced. For example, biscuits and sweet sizes are now very small and when one eats, it does not even satisfy again unlike before. Transportation fare has increased greatly because of high petrol price and since it is important to go out, we have no choice than to pay.
Azeema Folorunso, 8 yrs old, Basic 4
No day passes that I do not hear complaints about increase in prices of food items, goods and services from older people either at home or on the streets. This period has taught me to be more contented with whatever my parents give. I neither dictate nor force my wishes on them provided for me though sometimes, I might not be satisfied.
Azeezah Olaleye, 8 yrs old, Basic 3
Nigeria is going through hard times especially, the citizens because we are the ones buying things in the market. Everybody is complaining and I know it is true from the amount gas, fish, gari, are sold now. I am always very careful not to waste food in order not to make my parents angry. I think the economy of Nigeria has encouraged kidnappers to multiply.
Folorunso Azeem, 9 yrs old, Basic 4
I am feeling the economic hardship in Nigeria through the reduction in the rate I ask for what I want from my parents. I do not like the situation in Nigeria because it doesn’t give me the opportunity to ask my parents what I want at all times. Now there are sometimes we have to manage whatever we have at home but it was not so before.
Azeezah Atinsola, 8yrs old, Basic 4
I am praying that things will become cheap in Nigeria again and I believe when our president told us to be rest assured that it will be so. My mummy used to put malt drink in my lunch pack but I have to make do with biscuit only if she does not put it. I understand when she has to manage because I listen to the news, so I am aware of the financial challenge facing every one. I am surprised at the amount a crate of egg is sold now.
Ridwan Yusuff, 10 yrs old, Basic 4
I hear when discussions are going on about the present state of Nigeria among people and the best I do is to pray for better days because I know things were not as bad as this before. It is painful because we no longer have five-naira biscuits or sweet, no more N50 juice too. At the beginning of this term, our bike man complained of increase in the price of petrol so he asked my mummy to add to the amount he collects to take us to school. She did before he discontinues the service. Although, I feel unhappy when denied of anything but instead of complaining, I pray for God’s blessings on my parents.
Mutimainat Muritadho, 8yrs old, Basic 4
I am coping with economic situation in Nigeria by being contented with whatever my parents give me. I thank God that we are not on the streets begging like some have resolved to do now. I took pity on a young man who recently came to my mummy’s shop to beg for money and she gave him what she could afford.
Zummayah Tijani, 7yrs old, Basic 3 It makes me unhappy that everything in Nigeria has become expensive. I wonder when it will become normal again. This time parents deny their children some things they would give without asking before. Children feel the effect of this problems on everything: our school fees, textbooks, notebooks, shoes, water bottle, even pencil which was very cheap before is now costly, not to mention food items.
Fodilah Adediyan, 9yrs old, Basic 3
I know what is going on in Nigeria because I run errands for my parents. I observe that every day, there is increase in the prices of goods and services. I feel for my parents because they still provide for us daily. I am grateful, to them and I pray God will continue to provide for their needs, too.
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