Celebrating Valentine Amidst High Cost of Foods
By Nurudeen Adebayo
In the heartland of Nigeria, where the spirit of love should be thriving, a somber reality casts its shadow over the Valentine’s season.
Amidst the echoes of affection, the symphony of suffering resonates through the nation, revealing the stark challenges faced by many.
As lovebirds prepare for Valentine’s Day, the haunting specter of kidnappings lingers, a dark cloud over the festivities. Families torn apart, hearts gripped by fear, as this criminal menace infiltrates the fabric of daily life.
The lyrical notes of love are drowned out by the dissonance of uncertainty, leaving communities to grapple with the harsh cadence of insecurity.
In the marketplace, where the vibrancy of life is usually felt, the tune takes a bitter turn. The harmony disrupted by the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, a dissonant melody that resonates through the pockets of everyday Nigerians.
As they navigate the aisles, the rhythm of their steps is weighed down by the burdensome cost of sustenance. The poetry of sharing a meal with loved ones marred by the harsh economic verses that accompany each purchase.
On this Valentine’s Day, as candles flicker, there’s an unwelcome guest at the celebration – the absence of electricity. The flickering flame mirrors the inconsistent power supply, leaving homes shrouded in darkness. Love letters written in the glow of smartphones, romantic dinners under the faint light of candles, as Nigerians grapple with the metaphorical and literal dimming of their hopes.
In this tale of woe, poetic devices weave through the narratives of hardship. Metaphors paint the landscape, where the roses of affection are overshadowed by the thorns of adversity. Similes draw parallels between the warmth of love and the cold grip of fear, and personification gives life to the struggles faced by the nation.
Yet, in the face of these adversities, the resilient spirit of the Nigerian people persists.
As they navigate the verses of hardship, a chorus of unity rises. The strength found in shared struggles, the hope whispered in the winds of change, and the resilience reflected in the eyes of those who persevere.
This Valentine’s Day, let the collective heartbeat of Nigeria be a reminder that even in the symphony of suffering, the verses of hope and resilience can emerge, forging a path towards a brighter, more harmonious future.
