Nigeria at 63: Residents of Osun lament rising living expenses

As Nigeria celebrated its 63rd Independence Day on Sunday, residents of Osun State bemoaned the state’s dire economic situation.

They said the pace of inflation is starting to hit hard on Tuesday, according to OBASANJO NEWS24.

They bemoaned the rising costs of food, transportation, education, fuel, and other necessities.

Despite efforts by the federal and state governments, this is happening.

Tope Aloba, a federal servant, claimed that since the removal of fuel subsidies in May, his expenses have doubled.

He bemoaned the fact that, as a middle-level civil officer, his monthly wage had been affected.

“The cost of commodities has increased tenfold on the market.

“Rice is now sold for N50,000 per bag in Osogbo. Previously, I would buy a half bag, but now I just buy a quarter bag. Even then, I have another round of debt before the middle of the month.

“By God’s grace, we are able to get by even with my wife providing her fair share. Osun is relatively inexpensive compared to other states, however as everything is getting more expensive these days, this is rapidly changing.

Nigeria has arrived in Osun State, and it is unfortunate that the general populace is bearing the brunt of everything.

Kudirat Abiola, a merchant, told OBASANJO NEWS24 that she was on the verge of losing clients because they believed she purposely raised the pricing of her goods.

Only those who are understanding among them recognise that it is not their fault that things are so pricey. You are not able to consume a reasonably priced biscuit if you only have N50 with you. Currently, the rate ranges from N55 to N60.

“People no longer purchase certain soft drink brands. Because they are friendly, they like less expensive brands. The maximum amount that can be spent on such refreshments is N200.

These days, some families cannot afford bread because a loaf costs about N1600 and cannot feed a family of three. It’s as if you urge them to spend hours without food.

She added, “I even heard some families are now forced to employ feeding equations to survive.

Florence Ajimosun, the proprietress of the school, claimed that she made an effort to keep her tuition costs to a minimum so as to spare parents’ wallets.

“In order to survive and stay afloat, I had to force them to do other things.

“Some of the parents grumbled, and some were angry, but their kids needed an education, and my own company had to survive as well.

Only the government can assist us, and they are aware of how to do it, the woman stated.

Abubakar Salisu, a commercial motorbike rider, claimed he has been successful because most of his customers do not hold him responsible for the exorbitant expense of getting them to their destinations.

“My strategy is to appeal to my customers’ emotions. I explain to them that while I must fuel and maintain my motorbike, I am not to blame for the high charges.

“Most of the time, they comprehend. Most of the time, they reluctantly pay me for the assistance provided.

I came to Osun because I had heard that the cost of living was lower than in other South West states, but things appear to be different, he claimed.

According to Funmilayo Famurewa, the majority of people in the state are struggling to make ends meet notwithstanding the palliatives and funding provided by the federal government to the Osun State Government.

You should visit the market to see for yourself. People are enduring pain. God is now needed to manage a home.

“I filled a kilogramme of cooking gas at N750 in September. I filed the one I currently use for N900 per kilogramme. I’m not sure how much I’ll need to fill it again, though.

“And you want me to enjoy being a Nigerian, right?” I’m merely grateful to be alive, but I wish I wasn’t a Nigerian.

“Our nation has been let down by our government. I don’t see how in the future, unless something changes,” she remarked.

She also bemoaned the nation’s public colleges’ rising tuition costs.

“I simply hope that the hike in some public universities’ tuition fees won’t have an impact on public polytechnics and colleges of education.

In the same way, these institutions shouldn’t also announce exorbitant charge rises. If it happens, then the people have lost everything at the hands of this government.

“We don’t always have energy, the health system is failing, and now education is as well. She bemoaned, “We are returning to the mediaeval system.