Not the Easiest of Times, But There’s Hope
By Tade Oshaloto
As a nation, we’ve reached a point where our perceptions of personal success and economic stability have been tested by a harsh reality check. The challenges of recent times have peeled back the layers, showing us not only our economic vulnerabilities but also the essence of what we can truly afford. Many of us had been living on borrowed luxuries, carrying on without genuine patriotism or a shared sense of national pride. In our complacency, we failed to appreciate the future we once hoped to build.
Times are undeniably tough. Personally, I’ve found myself making compromises, like eating simple meals of agbado (corn) without the beans once promised. But instead of resenting the government or the country, I’m choosing to channel my energy toward prayer and to contribute, in whatever small way I can, to the development of our nation. This is a country that, despite its struggles, has nurtured us—even when it seemed irrational to do so. Many people may not realize it, but the country’s kindness is documented for those willing to seek it. It’s time for us to read, learn, and reflect.
Through it all, I am firmly convinced that these hardships will pass. I foresee a new dawn for our nation, driven by a renewed commitment from some of our state governors who are already setting impressive examples. The younger generation is beginning to pay attention and respond with actions that embody the resilience and innovation our future requires.
Some of my closest friends have even taken up farming, turning to the soil with determination and creativity. They’ve mastered crops like beans and cassava, bringing a fresh, vibrant energy to agriculture. Watching them has been inspiring; they bring hope to the idea that hunger need not be our reality. Their efforts give color to the future we envision, one where this year’s hardship will be a thing of the past.
This optimism isn’t merely wishful thinking—there are signs that things are improving. Where once governance at the state level was often seen as performative, with little substantial action, there’s now a tangible shift. Critics who once saw governance as farcical now acknowledge that genuine efforts are being made to bring it back to where it belongs: as a service to the people.
However, many Nigerians today are drained, worn down by the constant struggle, which makes it difficult to look inward and assess ourselves with sincerity. But it’s precisely now that we must find the strength to look ahead and stay alert for opportunities. This is a time for introspection, to look for resilience within ourselves as we navigate these times.
Our president must play a critical role here as well, by actively working to improve how policies are communicated to the public. Faith and interest in the government must be stimulated; citizens need to understand, and quickly, the steps being taken toward a transformation that we were promised. Failure to build this bridge between policy and people risks losing the support required to see these plans come to fruition.
Ultimately, while the power to reshape Nigeria rests in our collective hands, it is up to each of us to wield it effectively. We may be holding the racket, but the ball is in our court. It’s a challenging game, no doubt, but with teamwork, resilience, and an unwavering hope, I believe we will see a brighter future.
About the Author:
Oshaloto J. Tade is an aspiring farmer with a passion for Nigeria’s growth and a belief in the potential of its citizens to lead the way. He writes with a perspective grounded in optimism and a deep love for his country.
