Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Benue Assembly Crisis: Speaker Resigns Days After Suspending Four Lawmakers
    • Ex-Kebbi PDP Governorship Candidate, Isa Galaudu Dumps Party
    • After Nigeria, Kemi Badenoch Turns Blame To UK, Says, ‘I’m Under Attack Over My Race, Ethincity’
    • Wanted Chinese Gang Leader Arrested In Nigeria, Deported To China By INTERPOL
    • Fake Pregnancy, Real Cocaine: Widow In NDLEA Net After Attempt To Supply Abuja Clients
    • Court Documents Reveal How Truck Driver, Foreign Nationals Defraud Dangote Of Billions
    • Coalition Wobbles: ADC Faces Uncertainty Without Atiku, Obi’s Commitment
    • Nigeria: Why Brazil. Yes, Brazil – By Sunday Dare
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    NEWS POINT NIGERIANEWS POINT NIGERIA
    UBA 720X90
    • HOME
    • NEWS

      Benue Assembly Crisis: Speaker Resigns Days After Suspending Four Lawmakers

      August 24, 2025

      Ex-Kebbi PDP Governorship Candidate, Isa Galaudu Dumps Party

      August 24, 2025

      After Nigeria, Kemi Badenoch Turns Blame To UK, Says, ‘I’m Under Attack Over My Race, Ethincity’

      August 24, 2025

      Wanted Chinese Gang Leader Arrested In Nigeria, Deported To China By INTERPOL

      August 24, 2025

      Fake Pregnancy, Real Cocaine: Widow In NDLEA Net After Attempt To Supply Abuja Clients

      August 24, 2025
    • COLUMN

      Nigeria Is Full Of Single Girls – By Funke Egbemode

      August 24, 2025

      Bye Elections And The Reality Check – By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah

      August 23, 2025

      Putin As The President’s Medicine – By Azu Ishiekwene

      August 22, 2025

      AI As The New Indolence, That Netanyahu Call, Salah’s Tweet And Our Kwam Mentality (1) – By Dr Hassan Gimba

      August 18, 2025

      From KWAM 1 To KWAM 2: How Not To Run A Nation – By Kazeem Akintunde

      August 18, 2025
    • EDUCATION

      FG Names Prof. Adamu Acting Vice-Chancellor To Steer UniAbuja For Three Months

      August 9, 2025

      13 Countries Offering Free Or Low-Cost PhD Programmes For Non-Citizens

      January 25, 2025

      NECO: Abia, Imo Top Performing States In Two Years, Katsina, Zamfara Come Last

      October 3, 2024

      NBTE Accredits 17 Programmes At Federal Polytechnic Kabo

      August 20, 2024

      15 Most Expensive Universities In Nigeria

      May 19, 2024
    • INTERNATIONAL

      Israeli Attacks Kill 63 As Troops Push Deeper Into Gaza City

      August 24, 2025

      Russia Claims More Ukraine Land As Hopes For Peace Agreement Fade

      August 24, 2025

      Dutch Prime Minister, Cabinet Members Resign Over EU’s Refusal To Sanction Israel On Gaza Genocide

      August 23, 2025

      Tension As North Korea Accuses South Korean Troops Of Firing Warning Shots Near Border

      August 23, 2025

      Israeli’s Netanyahu Approves Gaza City Seizure Despite Ceasefire Talks

      August 22, 2025
    • JUDICIARY

      FULL LIST: Judicial Council Recommends Appointment Of 11 Supreme Court Justices

      December 6, 2023

      Supreme Court: Judicial Council Screens 22 Nominees, Candidates Face DSS, Others

      November 29, 2023

      FULL LIST: Judicial Commission Nominates 22 Justices For Elevation To Supreme Court

      November 16, 2023

      Seven Key Issues Resolved By Seven Supreme Court Judges

      October 26, 2023

      FULL LIST: CJN To Swear In Falana’s Wife, 57 Others As SANs November 27

      October 12, 2023
    • POLITICS

      What Peter Obi May Lose If He Joins Coalition As VP Candidate

      May 25, 2025

      Atiku Moves To Unseat Wike’s Damagum As PDP Chairman, Backs Suswam As Replacement

      April 15, 2024

      Edo’s Senator Matthew Uroghide, Others Defect To APC

      April 13, 2024

      Finally, Wike Opens Up On Rift With Peter Odili

      April 2, 2024

      El-Rufa’i’s Debt Burden: APC Suspends Women Leader For Criticising Kaduna Gov

      March 31, 2024
    • SPORTS

      Super Eagles Striker, Victor Boniface’s AC Milan Transfer Stalls Over Fresh Knee Injury Concerns

      August 24, 2025

      Tottenham Emerge Favourites As Five English Clubs Chase Nigeria’s Forward, Ademola Lookman

      August 24, 2025

      Osimhen, Ndidi, Iwobi Return As Coach Chelle Names Squad For Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

      August 23, 2025

      Taribo West Slams NFF, Lagos FA For Abandoning Late Goalkeeper Peter Rufai’s Family

      August 23, 2025

      Former Super Eagles Forward, Brown Ideye Retires From Football At 36

      August 22, 2025
    • MORE
      • AFRICA
      • ANALYSIS
      • BUSINESS
      • ENTERTAINMENT
      • FEATURED
      • LENS SPEAK
      • INFO – TECH
      • INTERVIEW
      • NIGERIA DECIDES
      • OPINION
      • Personality Profile
      • Picture of the month
      • Science
      • Special Project
      • Videos
      • Weekend Sports
    NEWS POINT NIGERIANEWS POINT NIGERIA
    UBA 720X90
    Home - The Danger After AFCON 2023 – By Dakuku Peterside

    The Danger After AFCON 2023 – By Dakuku Peterside

    By Dakuku PetersideFebruary 12, 2024
    Dakuku 3
    Dakuku

    MOST Nigerians are tense and not at ease. The reasons are plausible. The scourge of hunger, spiralling inflation, insecurity, and a sense that the country is in distress stares us all. The cumulative effect of these is anger in the land. A combination of hunger and anger is a time bomb. It is the emotional underpinning of every populist revolt.

    There is absolutely nothing a hungry and angry man or woman cannot do. The signs are self-evident that the product of hunger and anger is upheaval. Ask the residents of Minna, Suleija, Kano and most recently Osogbo. They took to the streets last week to register their frustrations and distress on the level of hunger in Nigeria. Other cities may follow suit if the government does not respond promptly and concretely.

    Nigerian workers represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have already given the federal government two weeks to implement policies that will reduce the impact of the government’s economic policies on citizens.

    TAZKIYAH UNIVERSITY

    The NLC and TUC said they are concerned about the “non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the Federal Government on October 2, 2023.” “These agreements which were reached with the federal government were focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic conditions prevalent in the land,” they added. Labour further acknowledged the fact that widespread hunger is now ravishing millions of Nigerians, with the workers’ purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension.

    These harsh economic realities have widespread social implications, including increased crime rates and social unrest. We have increased poverty levels, making it difficult for individuals and families to meet their basic needs. Many people struggle to afford necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

    UBA

    Nigeria’s economic hardship exacerbates existing social disparities. Vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and older people, are disproportionately affected. These demographics face increased challenges in accessing resources and opportunities causing significant psychological toll on individuals. Anxiety, stress, and mental health issues are becoming more prevalent as people grapple with financial uncertainty and the challenges of making ends meet.
    This hardship strains social cohesion, increasing community tensions and contributing to social unrest or conflict as people express frustration over economic inequalities and lack of opportunities. Traditional community support systems have become strained as individuals and families face economic difficulties. Networks that once provided a safety net may find it challenging to cope with increased demands for assistance.

    This economic uncertainty is negatively affecting investor confidence. Foreign and domestic investors are increasingly hesitant to invest in Nigeria despite the effort of the current government to woo them . This lack of foreign direct investment and local investments has led to a slowdown in economic growth. We are experiencing one of the worst exchange rate fluctuations in our history. Within one year, the exchange rate has increased by about 200%, which has devastated businesses, particularly those reliant on imported goods and services, and foreign investors considering the Nigerian market.

    Happy Birthday

    Small businesses, which often form the backbone of many economies, face closure or reduced operations due to economic challenges. This directly impacts entrepreneurs and employees, leading to financial insecurity. And migration patterns are changing as many are either ‘japaing’ to faraway lands seeking better economic opportunities while others are internally displaced due to insecurity and banditry . This internal and external displacement has potential social and cultural implications for communities.

    It may not have occurred to the leadership that the just concluded AFCON football tournament may have been the pause to a potential national upheaval. The emotional attachment of citizens to the game of football resonates. By the last count, as a country, we have lost not less than six persons during the Nigeria-South Africa semi-finals clash. Citizens may have channelled their emotional reaction to the economic hardship to their passion for football.

    Nigerian TAX Reform - Federal Goverment

    It has been proven elsewhere that sports, in general, and football in particular, can relieve people in distress. It has put a pause in wars. It happened during World War One (1914), the Nigerian-Biafra Civil War (1968), and Côte d’Ivoire (2005). Although there is no consensus or empirical evidence yet, the love and passion for football have been an antidote to the potentially provocative reaction of Nigerian citizens to misery, anger, and hopelessness.

    Psychologists have told us that football triggers a chemical known as endorphins, responsible for happiness and a relaxed mood. It promotes social bonding, community spirit, and a sense of patriotism that can help our anxiety. Football also acts as a distractor and relieves us from stress, the type most Nigerians are going through. In fact, “Football is the ballet of the masses”, as posited by Dmitri Shostakovich.
    Football is more than just a game. It’s about life, struggle, and the beautiful moments that relieve us from our daily concerns. To the average Nigerian, football brings out 90 minutes of pure nationalism in us.

    In economic challenges, sports, especially football, provides a sense of unity and joy that transcends financial worries. The beautiful football game lifts spirits, create camaraderie, and offer respite from economic anxieties. Football tournaments unite communities, fostering a sense of pride and joy that transcends economic challenges. The AFCON tournament entertained us and reminded us that, despite our differences, we can come together for a common passion.

    National Orientation Agency Page UP
    National Orientation Agency - Down

    It is not the narrative of government officials nor the ingenuity of “palace jesters” that have kept the country calm in the past few weeks. With AFCON now over, it is time the government acted fast to relieve the tension in the land. If the AFCON has brought welcome distraction, its end could unleash a collective depression from the present crises of hunger and poverty.

    Attention will return to domestic issues. Economic and existential problems will magnify. As hunger escalates, misery reigns, and prices of essential food items surge, the government cannot misread the morbid silence enveloping the land as normal. It is not. As seen elsewhere, the anger and hopelessness associated with this situation is a natural path to popular revolt. The government can get away with impunity but not with the chronic hunger of the ordinary man drawing complementarity from the anger of the elite.

    The signs that danger lurks can only be ignored by all at significant risk to the country’s existence.
    Addressing economic hardship requires honesty, inclusiveness, innovative thinking and sustained government and private sector efforts. Policy reforms, anti-corruption measures, diversification of the economy, and investments in education and infrastructure are some strategies that can contribute to economic recovery and long-term stability.

    Also, targeted interventions that focus on social welfare, education, healthcare, and community development are crucial to improving the well-being of individuals and fostering resilience in the face of economic challenges. Economic hardship and poverty are the worst forms of violence against the people. They are like punishment for a crime you did not commit.

    The government must create an enabling environment to confront hardship and poverty. Franklin Roosevelt aptly posits, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” And Mahatma Gandhi argued that “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”

    AFCON was the opium of the Nigerian masses. It has come and gone with its glory, impact on our collective psyche, and the emotional relief it gave us during these harsh economic times. The emotional excitement about the nation is a passing mass phenomenon. It can only last long and linger afterwards if the populace feels the government has given them so much. The excitement of a football tournament turns into heightened anger soon after the excitement blows over if there is no realistic solution to the misery.

    The danger lies in the government assuming that post-AFCON, if nothing realistic is done to ameliorate the economic hardship millions of Nigerians face, things will continue as normal. That may be a pipe dream. With the opium effect of AFCON gone, many Nigerians will focus on demanding an improvement in their quality and standard of living. This demand may come in ways we never anticipated, as demonstrated by the uprising in a few flashpoint areas across the country. We must not allow this to happen, for it may not portend well for Nigeria. Now is the time to “let Nigerians breathe” and avert possible doom.

    Dr Peterside is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). His syndicated column appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays.

    AFCON Dakuku Peterside Column
    Share. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn Telegram Email

    Related Posts

    Nigeria Is Full Of Single Girls – By Funke Egbemode

    August 24, 2025

    Bye Elections And The Reality Check – By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah

    August 23, 2025

    Putin As The President’s Medicine – By Azu Ishiekwene

    August 22, 2025

    AI As The New Indolence, That Netanyahu Call, Salah’s Tweet And Our Kwam Mentality (1) – By Dr Hassan Gimba

    August 18, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Latest Posts

    Benue Assembly Crisis: Speaker Resigns Days After Suspending Four Lawmakers

    August 24, 2025

    Ex-Kebbi PDP Governorship Candidate, Isa Galaudu Dumps Party

    August 24, 2025

    After Nigeria, Kemi Badenoch Turns Blame To UK, Says, ‘I’m Under Attack Over My Race, Ethincity’

    August 24, 2025

    Wanted Chinese Gang Leader Arrested In Nigeria, Deported To China By INTERPOL

    August 24, 2025

    Fake Pregnancy, Real Cocaine: Widow In NDLEA Net After Attempt To Supply Abuja Clients

    August 24, 2025
    Advertisement
    WIDGET ADS
    News Point NG
    © 2025 NEWS POINT NIGERIA Developed by ENGRMKS & CO.
    • Home
    • About us
    • Disclaimer
    • Our Advert Rates
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Join Us On WhatsApp