Voices of Distress: An Opinion Poll on Soaring Food Prices and Economic Hardships

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 

Introduction

In today’s unsettling economic climate, the skyrocketing prices of essential goods have become a pressing concern for many. In this blog publication, we turn our attention to the voices of those most affected by these challenges – local traders. Through an exclusive opinion poll, we aim to shed light on the profound impact of surging food prices and the hardships faced by individuals striving to make ends meet.

Mr.Ekene Chigozie: The Impact on Local Traders

The significant increase in food prices has affected us in many ways. Sometimes, it’s hard for us to attract customers because of the high food prices in the market. This discourages our customers from buying. At times, most of them end up buying and choosing to owe us because the prices are too high. For example, if a seller used to sell two bags of rice daily, now it's challenging to sell even one bag daily. This same situation affects other food items too. Sometimes, you might go to the market to buy a bag of rice for 40,000 naira, but the next day, it increases to 45,000, and you may not have enough money to buy another one. When there are price increases, it becomes tough to attract customers.

Joy Uzowuru: A Struggle to Make Ends Meet

I’ve been going through a tough time. I’m struggling, and things are getting more difficult every day. As a trader, I see my money decreasing every day. What used to cost ten naira today now costs 20 naira tomorrow. We’re asking the government for assistance. I really need financial help.

Mr. Onyeakwuluka Emeribe: A Call for Government Support

Buying and selling have become very expensive, and there’s not much money around. We really need the government’s help because people are suffering from hunger due to these tough times.

Nwaiwu Chinoso Nkem: The Fuel Price Connection

In general, when fuel prices rise, everything else follows suit. You might not realise how tough things are until there's a fuel increase. It has really affected everyone in the market. Prices for everything have shot up. If the government wants to make a positive change, they should quickly reduce fuel prices. The people are suffering, especially those in the markets, and many of them are struggling to make sales. This is the situation we are currently facing. The market is often slow because people are not meeting their sales targets. But we're hopeful that things will return to normal soon.

Vivian Onyeneke: Customer Disappearance Due to Price Hikes

Since prices started going up, my customers have been disappearing. The rice I used to buy for 35,000 Naira now costs 40,000 to 45,000 Naira. Even the cups of rice we used to sell for 150 Naira are now 180 Naira because of the increase in prices.

Lucky Onyeneke: Addressing the Root Cause

The main reason for this increase is the fuel subsidy. People are now buying only what they really need instead of their preferences. If the government takes action on this fuel subsidy, I am confident that things will return to normal.

Conclusion: Take Action

In the poignant accounts shared by these local traders, we glimpse the daily struggles faced by many in the wake of soaring food prices and economic hardships. Their sincere calls for government intervention underscore the urgency of the situation. As we explore potential solutions and actions to address these issues, let us remain hopeful that brighter days lie ahead, where the burden of rising costs may be alleviated, and the voices of distress find the relief they seek. 

Acuty Guitarz: Strumming the Strings of Musical Passion

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

In the heart of Owerri, a musical maestro known as Acuty Guitarz is strumming the strings of both tradition and innovation. Cyriacus Kelechi Umunakwe, by his given name, has become a recognised figure not only in the local music scene but also in the hearts of aspiring guitarists and music producers alike. Hailing from Ngor Okpala LGA in Imo State and bearing the academic laurels of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Acuty Guitarz is more than just a name; it’s a testament to a lifelong love affair with music.

In a candid interview, Acuty Guitarz shares his inspiring journey, from a mesmerised young soul in the audience of the Oriental Brothers Band to becoming a skilled guitarist and music producer who has made a profound impact in his community and beyond. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of musical excellence.

What inspired you to become a guitarist and music producer?

The inspiration to become a guitarist has deep roots in my love for music, which has been a part of me since childhood. There was a pivotal figure in my life named KABAKA, who hails from my LGA and was the guitarist for the renowned Oriental Brothers Band. Whenever they performed in my village during special occasions, I would eagerly position myself at the back of their canopy, transfixed by KABAKA’s guitar prowess. My unwavering passion for music, especially the enchanting tones of the guitar, kept me glued to their stage until the very end.

My journey into guitar playing began when the opportunity to learn presented itself during my time at St. Peter Claver Seminary School in Okpala, between 2008 and 2009. I seized this chance with both hands, fuelled by my deep-rooted love for music.

As for becoming a music producer, that journey started as my guitar skills advanced. I began creating song covers that I shared on my Facebook page and various other social media platforms under the name Acuty Guitarz. These covers often featured collaborations with other musicians. My appreciation for high-quality sound grew, and I realised the need for superior audio production to enhance my online musical endeavours. It was then that I decided to establish a home studio. Fortunately, I had a friend who was an experienced producer, and he generously taught me the ropes of music production. This marked the turning point in my career, as I officially ventured into the world of music production.

What are your favourite genres of music to play and produce?

My favourite genres to both play and produce are predominantly rooted in our rich African musical traditions, specifically Highlife and Gospel. I also have a strong affinity for Afro Beats and Jazz, although I am continuously honing my skills in the latter.

What are some of your most notable accomplishments as a guitarist and music producer?

Regarding my notable accomplishments as a guitarist and music producer, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey is the number of individuals I’ve trained in guitar playing, all without accepting any payment. Many of these individuals have developed into accomplished guitarists themselves. For instance, the second person I ever taught to play the guitar is now a Naval officer, and prior to joining the Nigerian Navy, he, in turn, trained another person who is currently excelling in the same city as me. It brings me immense joy to see this lineage of guitarists grow, and it has earned me recognition as Acuty Guitarz in Owerri, where people can attest to the many ‘offspring’ I’ve nurtured in the art of guitar playing.

Another significant accomplishment is the establishment of my music studio, primarily funded by my work as a guitarist. As a music producer, I have had the privilege of producing numerous songs, although they may not have achieved widespread recognition in the market yet. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic about their potential success.

While I have other accomplishments that hold personal significance to me, I prefer to keep those details private for the time being.

What are your goals for your music career in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5-10 years, I have several ambitious goals for my music career. Firstly, I aspire to attain a level of popularity and recognition similar to that of some of my esteemed colleagues in the industry, such as Ramson Ben, Sammy Guitar, David G, Fiokee, and others. Additionally, I aim to produce high-quality songs that have the potential to make a significant impact in the music market. Another important goal is to continue my role as an educator, training and positively influencing a larger number of aspiring musicians. Lastly, on a personal note, within the next decade, I hope to enjoy making music for pure enjoyment alongside my family, including my wife and children.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a guitarist and music producer?

Like any journey, there have been challenges along the way. As a guitarist in this region, I’ve faced the pressure of having to adapt to various musical styles when performing with different artists on stage. Meeting these diverse expectations can be demanding. Furthermore, to maintain my skill level and stay at the top of my game, consistent and rigorous rehearsals are essential. Finding time for these rehearsals amidst a busy schedule has been a continuous challenge, but I prioritise it as I understand its importance.

Additionally, I’ve encountered challenges with certain clients I’ve worked with on stage. In the past, some individuals had negative attitudes towards instrumentalists, but as my proficiency as a guitarist has grown, I’ve earned greater respect, and such issues have largely faded away.

As a music producer, challenges often arise during recording sessions. Dealing with artists who struggle with singing can be demanding, as it requires patience and guidance to achieve the desired output, particularly during the mixing process. Balancing the demands of my guitar rehearsals and performances with my production work has also proven challenging, but it’s a balance I’m committed to maintaining.

How do you stay motivated and inspired?

I stay inspired and motivated by following top guitarists. I watch their videos, which really motivates and inspires me. I also do a lot of research and have many materials for my rehearsals. When I think about my goals and what I want to achieve in the future, it keeps me up at night. This is a big source of motivation because I won’t give up until I reach my goals.

What advice would you give to aspiring guitarists and music producer?

My advice to aspiring guitarists and producers is simple yet crucial: you can’t commit to a career in music without genuine love and passion for it. Just as you wouldn’t date or marry someone you don’t love, your dedication to music must stem from a deep affection for the art.

First and foremost, invest significant time into your craft. Don’t take your rehearsals lightly; aim to dedicate at least 4 to 5 hours daily to practice, especially if you're a beginner. There will be moments when it feels tough, and you might contemplate giving up. But remember, it’s precisely during these challenging times that your breakthroughs happen. Persevere, and you’ll ultimately find success.

Continuous learning is paramount. Always be on the lookout for fresh ideas and inspiration. Never stop exploring new horizons in music.

Additionally, your foundation is crucial. It forms the basis for everything you’ll create in the future. Building a strong foundation now will prevent limitations down the road. Ensure you master the fundamentals before venturing into more advanced techniques.

Another vital aspect is having role models. Identify top guitarists and producers whose work resonates with you, and use them as sources of inspiration. However, strive for originality in your own music. While you can learn from your idols, also create your unique sound and style. Let your artistry shine and make your mark in the world of music.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry?

I think the music industry is super competitive right now. There are many artists and producers, and everyone wants to be the best. This competition can be tough, but it’s also a good thing because it pushes everyone to work harder. To succeed or stay on top, you really have to give your best effort.

What are your favourite tools and resources for learning and practicing guitar?

My favourite ways to learn and practice guitar are pretty simple. I love following top guitarists online. When they post videos, I always make sure to pick up a thing or two from them and add it to what I already know. I don’t skip any guitar videos, even if they’re from beginners, because you can always learn something new.

I also use a bunch of books, both in digital and paper formats. Some of these books focus on chords, others on scales, and some on arpeggios, among other things. One book that’s been really helpful is ‘Dave Monster Scales and Modes,’ which I have as an electronic textbook.

Sometimes, I head to YouTube to watch guitar lesson videos, and I follow many tutors there too. It's all about soaking up as much knowledge as I can from different sources.

What is your favourite thing about being a guitarist and music producer?

What I love most about being a guitarist and music producer is the happiness and joy I feel whenever I’m doing these things. That’s the most important part for me. I’ve also earned some money and gained respect from people and places I visit. Plus, I’ve made some valuable contacts, and all of this adds to my happiness.

 

The Niger Coup: Lessons for Nigeria’s Democracy

The Niger Coup: Lessons for Nigeria’s Democracy

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

On July 26, 2023, there was a coup in Niger. The Presidential Guard took control and arrested President Mohamed Bazoum along with his family. Senior officers from different branches of the defense and security forces came together as a group called the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland. They went on national television to announce that they were now in charge.

Although this recent coup in Niger might be brief, its effects were felt far beyond the country’s borders. Many people are concerned about Niger’s stability due to its history of four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, as well as numerous attempted coups. Additionally, this event has raised worries about the entire Sahel region, which has been dealing with ongoing challenges such as political instability and security issues.

The coup attempt in Niger is a strong message for Nigeria. It’s highlighting how fragile democracy can be in Africa. Nigeria is the largest country on the continent with over 200 million people and has faced military takeovers before. Recently, Nigeria has been putting in efforts to become more democratic, but many still question if true ‘Democracy’ has been put into action since its establishment.

Looking at what unfolded in Niger, it’s clear that Nigeria needs to be careful. The risk of a coup is still there, whether or not Nigeria is seen as a fully democratic country. What happened in Niger reminds us that unless Nigeria takes significant steps to completely restore democracy, the threat of a coup remains. It’s a reminder that staying vigilant and committed to a strong democracy is crucial.

There are quite a few things that could lead to a coup happening in Nigeria. One big reason is the deep divisions between different ethnic groups and religions in the country. Nigeria has many different groups of people, with a lot of Muslims in the north and many Christians in the south. Sometimes, politicians have used these differences to create problems, and this has led to violence and instability.

Another reason a coup could happen in Nigeria is due to the struggling economy. Nigeria is known as one of the most corrupt countries globally, and its economy has been facing difficulties lately. This has caused a lot of poverty and frustration among the people. The rising cost of fuel, expensive transportation fares, and increases in almost everything have deeply frustrated the population, leading to doubts about whether there is any hope left for Nigeria. In the past, the scarcity of money was a major concern in the country. As that issue began to fade, and people started to hope for a better Nigeria, the new problem of rising costs took over, bringing tears to people’s eyes.

Lastly, the coup in Niger might lead military officers in Nigeria to believe they could do the same. We’ve seen this unfold with a successful coup in Mali in 2020. On August 18, 2020, a group of Malian military officers led by Colonel Assimi Goïta staged a coup, resulting in the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. Additionally, an attempted coup took place in Guinea in 2021.

Since Nigeria gained independence, the country has experienced five military coup d’états between 1966 and 1999. Except for a brief return to democracy under the Second Nigerian Republic from 1979 to 1983, Nigeria was consistently governed by the military during this period. However, the most recent coup occurred in 1993, and since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1999 under the Fourth Nigerian Republic, there have been no significant further attempts.

These instances illustrate that military officers can seize government power without facing consequences.

Nobody truly desires to undergo another episode of military rule, highlighting the paramount importance of the government’s proactive measures to prevent the recurrence of a coup during the era of democracy in Nigeria.

Looking at what happened in Niger, it’s clear that Nigeria has much to reflect upon. The nation must discover methods to unite diverse individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. It is vital that presidential appointments are fairly distributed among Nigeria’s three primary ethnic groups: Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba.

Making the economy better is really, really important, and Nigeria needs to put in a lot of effort to stop the corruption that has gone very far in the country. Also, it’s really important for the military to always remember that their job is to keep the country safe and protect its democratic values.

If Nigeria doesn’t tackle these problems, it might be the next African country to face a coup. That would be a big step backward for democracy in Africa and could make the region less stable.

However, the question still lingers: what steps can Nigeria take to prevent a coup? There are some key actions that can make a difference:

Enhance democratic systems: This involves ensuring the military respects civilian leadership, conducting fair elections without buying votes, and upholding the rule of law.

Unite the people: Nigeria should inspire diverse ethnic and religious groups to value and respect one another, refraining from playing ‘Political Power Favouritism’ during their governance.

Battle corruption: Nigeria must halt government corruption and ensure public funds benefit the citizens. Successfully curbing corruption could potentially resolve up to 95% of Nigeria’s challenges

Boost the economy: Nigeria should generate jobs for both educated and non-educated individuals, lessen poverty, and ensure that everyone can access their essential needs.

Promote Education and Awareness: Fostering education and raising awareness about the importance of democracy, civic engagement, and the negative impacts of coups can help create a more informed and vigilant population.

Media Freedom and Transparency: Having a media that is free and responsible, capable of holding the government accountable and promoting transparency, is extremely important for a strong democracy. This means that Freedom of Speech shouldn’t just be talked about, but also put into practice. People should not be imprisoned for speaking up about what is right.

Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation: Strengthening diplomatic ties and cooperation with neighboring countries and regional organizations can contribute to political stability and collective efforts against coups.

Professionalization of the Military: Ensuring that the military’s primary role is to protect the nation and its democratic institutions rather than engaging in politics is essential.

Youth Engagement: Engaging young people in meaningful ways through education, skills training, and opportunities for participation can channel their energy positively and reduce criminal activities among the youths.

By taking a comprehensive approach that addresses these additional areas, Nigeria can further fortify its democracy and diminish the risk of experiencing a coup. Learning from both successes and challenges within its region, Nigeria can play a vital role in fostering stability and democratic progress in Africa.