By: Ade Phillips
Residents in Ondo State have voiced their dismay over the escalating costs of essential goods like food items and building materials.
They bemoaned the sudden downturn in the economy, highlighting the distressing impact it has had on their lives.
A senior citizen, Aji Okeolu, shared his experience with Starnews Ng, expressing how the soaring prices of food have led to hunger pains for him, compounded by the delay in receiving his gratuity amidst the economic challenges.”
The renowned education and writer said, “In these unprecedented times, the challenges posed by soaring food prices have exacerbated the struggles of many, myself included. As I navigate through my retirement, the absence of my gratuity compounds the financial strain brought on by the current economic downturn.
“Never before have I experienced such hardships due to the escalating cost of food essentials. Every trip to the market only serves to deepen the pains inflicted by the relentless inflationary pressures. The burden weighs heavily on my shoulders, as I strive to make ends meet with limited resources at my disposal.
“The prevailing economic climate has plunged us into uncharted territory, where even the most basic necessities have become luxuries beyond reach for many. Despite contributing my years of service to the workforce, the promise of a comfortable retirement seems increasingly elusive amidst the prevailing circumstances.
“It is disheartening to witness the disconnect between the realities faced by ordinary citizens and the seemingly indifferent stance of the government. Our cries for relief seem to fall on deaf ears, as the plight of the common man remains overlooked amidst the broader policy agendas.
“In this time of dire need, we implore the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed our call for urgent intervention. The alleviation of our suffering cannot be delayed any longer, as the specter of hunger looms ominously over our lives. Immediate action is imperative to ensure that we do not succumb to the harsh realities of destitution and despair.
“As we look towards our leaders for solace and support, we cling to the hope that decisive measures will be taken to alleviate the burden weighing heavily upon us. Our survival hinges upon the timely response of those entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare of the citizens.
“In the face of adversity, let us stand united in our quest for a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can overcome the trials and tribulations that threaten to engulf us, emerging stronger and more resilient in the process. May our collective voices resonate with unwavering determination, echoing the urgent need for action and compassion in these trying times.
Another resident of the state, Jimmy Bukola, expressed her concerns about the negative impact of the poor economy on her business. She highlighted the hardship caused by the continuous rise in food prices, which has led many people to resort to imbalanced diets due to financial constraints.”
Jimmy, who sells food stuff at the market said, “As a store owner, I was surprised by the high prices of food items when I bought them. Some prices even increased by 50%.
“When I tried to sell the items in my store, my customers were unhappy and didn’t want to buy from me. My sales have gone down, and some people think it’s because the government removed the fuel subsidy.
“We ask the government to please understand our situation. We are struggling to make ends meet because of high prices and low sales.
“We hope the government will take action to help us, as we are facing hardship due to rising prices and reduced sales.
“We urge the government to act quickly to prevent further suffering, as we are almost starving because of these challenges.
Similarly, Okechukwu Sunday, a trader specializing in building materials, conveyed to Starnews Ng, that the prices of construction essentials such as cement and iron have surged significantly.
He stated, “Cement is currently priced at 12,000, and 16mm iron costs 20,000. This alarming trend is concerning, and we urgently need to address it.”
“We can’t keep going like this. People are only able to buy building materials after they’ve bought food, and this affects us sellers. The economy is not doing well, and because buyers aren’t buying from us as much, we’re struggling to afford even food.
“We ask the Tinubu’s administration to please come up with initiatives to help us.
When contacted for reactions, a close associate of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who preferred anonymity, said the state government had put some measures in place.
He said, “some measures are being planned. We have timely paid salaries and allowances as well as clearing backlog of arrears. The Governor directed that the initial plan to start billing parents for shuttle buses be scrapped.
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