Coronavirus has become such an imminent disruption to our daily lives in the United States, it is tempting to ignore its impact in the developing world. At this writing, COVID-19 has spread and infected 407 and killed 12 people in Nigeria. Compared to the USA, those figures compare very favorably! That’s not to say all is well in Nigeria. Far from it.
The Nigerian Government has followed many Western nations in attempting to stop the spread and “flatten the curve”. It’s a reasonable strategy from a public health standpoint because the Nigerian health system lacks capacity to handle a spike in cases of such a disease. However, the lockdowns at the federal and state levels are having harsh repercussions.
“People are revolting against the enforced stay at home orders because they must go out to find food for their daily meal,” says Deacon Leo. Indeed, in a predominantly rural nation with poor infrastructure and lack of basic services, a person can not easily shelter in place. Not only their livelihoods but their LIVES depend on getting out to obtain their daily bread!
With strict lockdowns in the metropolitan areas of Lagos and FCT Abuja, the 36 individual state governors have also enforced lockdowns at state and local government levels. It hasn’t been well received. “Videos have circulated on social media showing armed robberies, fires and small riots in some Lagos neighbourhoods,” reports Libby George.1
While people can still grow their own food, they are being harassed by police from selling it at market. Also, the gig economy of selling cheap consumables, which so many Nigerians subsist on, has been decimated by the strict lockdowns. “People are being forced to choose between starving or taking their chances with the virus and the police,” Deacon Leo says.
Relief efforts are limited because Nigeria’s economy was already in steep recession. “Indeed, the steep decline in oil prices associated with the pandemic has necessitated that the Nigerian government cut planned expenditure,” according to Brookings Institute.2
HEAL’s mission activities in Umuagwu and Akpim have been suspended in compliance with Imo State directives. “We have closed BOMCA and MENPS and our boarding students have been relocated to Umaugwu to be in a more exclusive environment,” reports Deacon Leo.
Thankfully, the MOJ Sisters and the children are growing cassava on the arable land in Umuagwu and using it for garri, a good source of carbohydrates for energy. But, balancing out the diet in this time of lockdown will become an immediate need soon. Soon, the MOJ’s will goto the local market and hopefully without police harassment.
Adequate nutrition is indispensable to our mission of forming Servant Leaders, along with other recurring necessities. Let’s not succumb to the pressures of COVID-19, but rather fight back for the poor in the name of Jesus!