Easter without Celebration: A message of Hope to my Countrymen and women by Rilwan Tinubu

Easter without Celebration: A message of Hope to my Countrymen and women by Rilwan Tinubu

It is no longer news that the world is currently faced with the challenge of the unknown as many have characterized it today, even though many assumptions have also engulfed the media as to whether it is actually man-made or a natural occurrence.

Many have continued with accusations and counter-accusations but the truth is that all human race is affected by the coronavirus popularly known as COVID-19, leading to about 109,312 death after about 1,783,941 tested positives, 405,972 persons (and still counting) are recorded to have recovered after diagnosis. About 70% of the total deaths are in 7 countries, namely China, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United State of America having the highest number today with about 20,608 (See John Hopkin COVID 19 Map https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html).

In Africa, with 54 countries, only Lesotho and Comoros island are yet to record any occurrence of the deadly pandemic, leaving 52 others in shake-up and fears, although many still have a considerable low level (below 500) aside from South Africa (2,028), Egypt (1,939) Algeria (1,825), Morocco (1617), Cameroun (820), Tunisia (685), Cote d’Ivoire(533) (See John Hopkin University of Medicine COVID-19 trend)

Again, with the above statistic, our National Centre for Disease Control in Nigeria has announced that the only cheapest way to cure and reduce the spread of the Coronavirus is for all Nigerians is to avoid physical contact, 14 days self-isolation for anyone with recent travel history to the high-risk countries, washing of our hands regularly, use of hand sanitizers and face mask and social distancing. This is further strengthened by the Federal Government’s pronouncement of Lockdown in several states of the federation, with a stay at home order.

Today, we must accept the fact that our system is faced with a mirage of challenges considering the present situation. This has aggravated the condition of hunger, poverty and misery of the majority. The efforts of the Federal and State Governments to provide palliatives have been generally poor, especially when one considers their adopted modalities. This has increased fear and tension in the land and is increasing the potential of a communal spread of this pandemic, especially as crowds often gather to scramble for these so-called relief packages.

The cry for help has been the order of the day from across all households in the globe and Nigeria in particular, yet local, regional and international solidarity has been defeated because everyone needs critical help at this crucial period where our race, religious belief and ethnic affiliation could not give an immediate solution to the problems at hand. Indeed the world order may not remain the same after we would have survived this ugly trend of our time.

For me, “One half of our heart always knows that some wishes would never come true, still, the second half waits for magic and miracles to happen. It is Hope!”

At Easter, my Christian brothers and sisters could not celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. A lesson of hope must be learnt from this; even when the government, multinational and private companies could not count but losses. Indeed the world is at a crossroad of our life-time. I hope it will not get to a point where parents will no longer look after their wards, thereby making life become what to what Thomas Hobbes described as solitary, nasty and self-fulfilling. God forbid!

Nelson Mandela once said, “May your choices reflect your hope, not fears.” This is to say we only have a choice – to hope and not to fear; a choice to avoid needless comparison but to appreciate what we have at this time; a choice to listen and obey all medical and scientific advice; a choice to support all government effort in ensuring that life becomes bearable for the vulnerable.

I must also salute the courage by individuals who have risen to this critical challenge of giving to the needy through donation of cash, food items thereby putting smiles in their faces. For those of us who are still waiting, the next man to you needs help. And for those who are capable of self-sustaining through this period, the palliatives are not necessarily for you. Let us change our attitude, this is not a time when national cake is being shared but a time for sober reflection.

Edward S. Ame gave his word to mankind “Hope is outreaching desire with expectancy of good. It is a characteristic of all living beings.” For me, the hope of a post-pandemic reality is first to survive in it by enduring this difficult time; a hope to give without the intention of making personal gains, as I have seen palliatives being politicized in the name of H.E.L.P by our political office holders and those intending to run for public offices in the future. STOP! It is never time for such selfish action(s). This period should be a time where all religion will live up to their primary role by ensuring societal peace. For resourceful individuals and our non-governmental organisations, it is a wake-up call because charity and wilful giving should be an everyday event. To be without hope is like being without goals. What are you working towards? (Cathering Pulsifer)

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness (Desmond Tutu). This is for us to research rather than cry against boredom as many households have claimed in the last few weeks because we must make meaningful gains with this sit-at-home order, so as to come out strong with transformational ideas. An empty stomach though may be greatly discouraging, we must, however, think without the box now; see the light after all darkness.

To our government, this should be a time to further understand the plight of the people. The unfortunate statements made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation claiming to be ignorant of the rot in our health system and that of Nigeria’s Health Minister on poor hazard allowance for key workers who have put out their lives in risk to save others are not what we need now.

Finally, I leave this to you all my countrymen and women; HOPE is a working Dream, Do not Despair and Never lose HOPE.

God Bless Nigeria and its people all across the world.

Rilwan Ayodeji Tinubu,
CAS Alumni [email protected] +2348052413737