Trump’s Attempted Assassination: The ‘Morning’ After.

Photo Credit: Not mine

Attempted and successful assassinations, as well as assassination plots against the US President are not a new dynamics in  American politics. Over the course of history, it can be argued that about 90% of the 46 individuals who have held the office of POTUS have had an assassination plot, assassination attempt or a successful assassination carried out against them, from Abraham Lincoln down to even Joe Biden . This should come as no surprise, POTUS has a lot of enemies be they Democrats or Republican.

The assassination attempt against Donald Trump on July 13 2024 would not be the first of those attempts in his political career. In June 2016, September and November 2017, in Las Vegas, North Dakota and The Philippines respectively similar attempts were made but were prevented before they were executed. The recent weekend attempt was more or less a near-miss, and it came at a timing when it is difficult to predict not whether, but how much effect it will have on the coming US election in November 2024. 

Already President Biden is currently in a battle to prove his capability and competence for a second term following multiple slips over the past few weeks, coupled with the fall outs from the handling of the Israel-Gaza crisis and many other internal issues in the American society, including migration. Trump on the other hand, is gaining more popularity and acceptance on the campaign trail despite his convictions and ‘dirty’ tricks during the last elections in 2020 and leading up to the handover of power in January 2021.

Fortunately for him, Trump has survived this assassination attempts and the optics are looking good in his favor, considering the timing of the attack, even though details of the attack are still sketchy and may not have any direct or indirect political motivation involving the Democrats. The extent of the impact this incident will have on voters, only time will tell, but as for whether it will, in fact, have an effect on the elections, your guess is as good as mine.

As a side note, the quick response of the Secret Service in neutralizing the threat and taking Trump to safety within seconds of the attack is commendable and should be applauded. 

I wish Trump quick recovery and the American people all the best in the polls later this year. 

Please leave your thoughts in the comments and let me know how you think this incident will influence voters in the coming weeks and months… 

#myksjournal

… And the ‘Red’s’ Have it!

So it is a new dawn across the United Kingdom. After 14 years, the Conservative Party has finally taken a bow as Brits have given their mandate to the Labour Party to take the mantle of governance.

The Conservatives have had quite a run over the past more than a decade; facilitating and executing the BREXIT referendum, the ever controversial Rwanda bill, and clamp down on both illegal and legal migration, cost of living crisis (which is not peculiar), and so much more. No doubt, the Conservatives have served their term and their records show for it regardless, although it is not far from the truth that the ruling party may have been voted out by a coalition of votes (including those of migrants who have had a hard time over the last few months).

I am not so much a fan of British politics, but I am I am hoping to see the future that the Labour Party has to offer the people in the ‘Kingdom’.

Most importantly, the political attitude of the British party leaders is commendable; congratulating the Labour Party and take a bow out of No 10 Downing Street (as it should be) is something that political leaders who loose elections in Africa should emulate. 

So, after a sternly contested general elections, the Red’s have it! 

So long Rishi! ✌🏽 

What do you think of the outgoing UK government? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

USA 2024 Elections: A future in the Balance

Happy new month guys! 

Now more than ever, the future of the United States appears to be hanging in the balance. If for nothing else, the first Presidential debate on Thursday June 27, was a mouth-full (for lack of a better word). Analysts have argued that the debates fell far short of what it ought to have been and the reasons are not far fetched. I will spare you the bore of repeating the obvious (and not surprising) narcissistic display of Donald Trump and the frailty of President Biden. Here are my own thoughts on the November elections and the future of the USA.

1. Leadership Personality. With the lingering crisis between Russia and Ukraine and the seeming ‘hard head’ of Benjamin Netanyahu in the crisis with Hamas, not to mention the interesting personality of Kim Jong Un, it is more and more evident that the individual personality of the leader should be of utmost concern in leadership selection and/or ascension. Trumps arguable narcissistic personality is not healthy for the American state and throws up a lot of uncertainties for the future of the US if he is re-elected.
2. Gerontocracy. Trump and Biden are 78 and 81 years old respectively. Leadership by old people appears fashionable in most parts of the world (including the West, interestingly). They are wiser, they have more experience, they are more emotionally mature to take decisions in national interest, and so on. Well, younger people have also proven to have similar attributes. If a society decides to elect a grandpa as President, they should plan on employing the services of a ‘carer’ at some point. 
3. Foreign Policy. This is the crux of the matter. As the US enjoys ‘poking their nose’ in virtually every nations business, a Trump presidency hold a bleak picture of what policy the US will hold towards ‘rogue states’ and even allies. While it is expected that Biden will retain his internationalist world view, Trump’s policy is likely to be formulated in the ‘spur of the moment’ and that is too dangerous for a state like the US.
4. Homeland Security. It beat global imagination that President Trump would sit in his office while his supporters looted the Capitol on January 6, 2021, just few weeks to inaugurating the next President. Homeland security entrusted again to him is just a ‘game of chance’. Immigration, gun control, reproductive rights, accountability and tolerance of opposition will remain arguable uncertain for the duration of a Trump return.

The list goes on! But at the end of the day, #AmericaDecides. My advice, the Republicans and Democrats should field more worthy candidates in the future, it’s already too late in this election cycle for that. As it stands, it’s either the ‘devil’ or the ‘deep blue sea’. So, best of luck to the United States come November 2024 and beyond.

#myksjournal

From #RejectFinanceBill2024 to #RutoMustGo

Watching the fast turn of events in Kenya over the last few days has not been a surprise at all… although saddening and disappointing to say the least. While is it very sickening to watch the show and use of force by the military on behalf of the Kenyans state, I don’t expect any better from the kinds of governments we have in Africa anyways, so I will save my strength and ignore the barbarism, while saluting the courage of THE PEOPLE! 

Within only a matter of days, Kenyans have demonstrated the change that can come when the people stand UNITED in their demand from their elected representatives. Within 24 hours, I watched President Ruto go from giving a national broadcast where he arguably referred to protesters as criminals to giving a speech acknowledging the rights of the people and yielding to their demands in suspending the controversial finance bill. Unfortunately for him, Kenyan people have realized how much power lies in their voice and are not saying #RutoMustGo 

This courageous movement in Kenya has reiterated one fact; THE PEOPLE will always win. Politicians, leaders, policy makers must come to this realization, that no army on earth is able to quiet the voice of THE PEOPLE, when they stand United and determined. This statement is deeper than can be seen on the surface, but space will not allow me provide enough context. However, it must be said that Kenyans are well on their way to writing a new chapter for themselves, and time will tell what the aftermath will bring, but I pray the momentum remains.

Implications? Nigerian leaders must borrow a leaf from Kenya. It is insane that ordinary people can hardly afford basic food and living conditions while their elected leaders spend their money, recklessly, on lavish lifestyle and luxury cars and jets and mansions. Nigerians will not play dumb forever. There is a limit to how much a people can tolerate, and Nigeria is fast approaching the breaking point, unless something changes. 

Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on the Kenya situation. Also don’t forget subscribe to Myks Journal while you are here. ✌🏽

#myksjournal

Do you miss your Ex?

I came across this reel on IG last week where this lady was so emotionally regretting how things went south in her marriage. You could tell that if she had her way, she would do everything to be back to where she used to be. I understand this is maybe an exception to the norm, but it was instructive to come across this exception.

We live in a society where an ‘ex’ carried a negative connotation much of the time, especially to the ex-er (if there is anything like that 😊). Ex’es are regarded as mistakes, shouldn’t haves, vomits that should never be gone back to, and more. Fair enough, some people still have the courage to stay cordial with their ex’es, which takes a lot of courage by the way. But life shouldn’t be that hard you know. I understand the dangers though and the fact that sometimes the decision to distance yourself from an ex and/or paint all the negative pictures about them in your mind (or to your friends) is to help you get over them and get on to other things, which brings me to what has been on my mind.

So back to the reel I saw, this lady owned up to taking her man for granted and not appreciating enough all things he did for her. She mentioned how her husband used to take care of her up to the point that she didn’t even know how to put fuel or gas (whichever one you like to call it) in her car until after the marriage ended, the man literally worshipped her (in her own words) and she took all of that for granted. ‘I miss my ex-husband’ (her words again).

Life can deal us curved balls now and then, beautiful relationships can go sour, but it doesn’t mean that there is no more ‘beauty’ in the person. I don’t know about you, but I have memories of my ex that I still cherish. It doesn’t mean I have not gotten over them or I don’t value my present circumstance. It just means that once upon a time, I was with a beautiful soul and for whatever reason we had to let go of each other, but we took a part of each other along. 

I am not talking about boundaries here, because obviously boundaries are an essential part of every aspect of our lives (including relationships), but that is a separate conversation. My point is that people can ‘miss’ their ex. What they do with that ‘miss’ feeling is an entirely different kettle of fish. 

I am trying so hard not to sound crazy, but maybe that is what I have just succeeded in doing 🤦‍♂️ Please let me know in the comment if you understand what I am trying to say, or just tell me I am crazy. It is what it is mehn! ✌🏽

#myksjournal

#At 16

This was a trending topic on X recently. I decided to see what had gone right or wrong, and for who, at 16 🤦‍♂️ Fortunately, it was the, maybe not very new, tale of Lamine Yamal; a 16 year old Spanish boy, born in July 13, 2007, and already playing professional football for the Barcelona football club (I hope I got that right), and for the Spanish national team. Quite intimidating and exceptional feat to have achieved at that age to be fair. 👏🏽👏🏽

Trust X users na, they jumped on the trend with orishirishi comments (you can hurry to X and see for yaself before I forget the main gist) 😊🙏🏽

So all of these just made me go back memory lane to when I was 16. To be honest, I can’t even remember much from that part of my life, that’s how uneventful it was. I think I was somewhere in Senior Secondary School battling with GCE or WAEC at the time, and dreaming of having a PhD at 25. For someone who is not emotionally stable, they can be put down by Yamal’s accomplishments ‘at 16’ in comparison to theirs. Thankfully, that is not me. 

I eventually had a PhD at 26, but along the line I also wanted more. At 35, I am still pursuing ‘more’, some of which others have achieved way before 25 or even 30. So, I have a message for myself really, but maybe someone else may also hear something for them as well.

Everyone is on a ‘journey’ through life, some decide to take shortcuts to get to certain milestone faster, others take the long haul and still get to these milestones faster than me, and that’s okay too. As long as I keep grinding legitimately, and I am happy in the journey, that’s all that matters. So whether it’s 16, or 25, or 35, or 50, or even 60, I’ll keep grinding and stay happy. Yes, I dey motivate myself once once, this life too hard abeg! 🤦‍♂️

Big ups to Lamine Yamal, and all the Yamals in the making, maybe not today, but eventually it will all make sense. So keep grinding, no pressure! 💪🏽 

#myksjournal

What Are You Waiting for Exactly!?

 

Hey guys,

So, I have been away for awhile I know, but who is keeping tabs right!?

Anyways, I am trying this blog thing again, and this time, I am deciding to share my journal with y'all, basically, just let you in on what's going on with me and in me, as much as I can. 😆😆

So recently, I was in a conversation with a very young eligible bachelor who is really wanting to settle down in marriage, but is still scared about all the unanswered questions that come with such a huge step.  Interestingly, in my opinion (even though he will beg to differ), this guy has a good number of options, but is just scared to make the move. How can I make sure that I am making the very best choice? What if she changes into something I do not know right after marriage? Why can't God just hand-pick her for me? What if we don't turn out to be good for each other eventually? I cannot deal with the baggage of divorce, what if she wants to call it quit? 

These are legitimate fears, but are they enough to hold you back? I don't think so. In my opinion, you will never have it all figured out. In fact, I really think that deciding about marriage is roughly 30-40% logic and 60-70% faith. As long as you are able to determine that they share the same values and core principles as you about religion and life, they are fine enough for you to stare at their poop in the toil*t 😜, and they have a sense of decency and decorum, mehn the rest is all just a huge leap of faith; one that you take knowing fully well that whatever is down there, you will have no choice but to live with it when you touch down. 😊 That's my two cent, but then again, watin I know kwanu? 

Anyways, how did you (if you have) answer these questions? If you didn't find all the answers, how did you find enough courage to take the leap with a few doubts remaining? My bachelor friend will definitely be reading this. 

Please share your thoughts in the comment section.  Also enter your email in the top right corner of the blog so I can share future content straight to your inbox. Thanks

#myksjournals

It is POssible!

This one is going to be really short, so you can read all of it in 60 seconds.

I have delayed writing anything about this election until now, not like I had a plan, but somehow I just haven’t brought myself to do it, even though I have really wanted to say something so badly! Maybe because I was struggling with the dilemma of whether or not to be partisan. But hey, I am a Nigerian too, and I want to see a ‘New Nigeria’ that works!

Here is something one of my senior colleagues had to say about the election, particularly the Presidential election; “Talking about the possibility of creating a Malaysia out of Nigeria,  objectively,  there is no other candidate as Mr Peter Obi, but then, Nigeria presents a complexity that goes beyond meet the eye…”. 

The politics of Nigeria is scary and goes way beyond logic, but frankly all we have to do is keep trying, and here is one of the best opportunities we ever had to TRY something a lot different. I have always had the believe that our ‘messiah’ in Nigeria cannot come from among them, yet there is one from among them this time that appears like a ‘messiah’.

PO will not give us all the answers, but he would give us something to look forward to which will be different, largely, from what we have known in the last 24 years. Let’s take the chance guys, there is so much at stake! 

Having the PVCs is not enough guys! We need to go out there this time and use them! All the elections are important, but we have our eyes on Saturday, February 25th. 

I BELIEVE THAT A NEW NIGERIA IS POssible! If you do too, just say ‘POSSIBLE’ in the comment section! 🥂

February 25: The New Valentine’s Day in Nigeria!

Ladies and Gentlemen! Let’s reserve the ‘Happy New Month’ for February and the ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ till the end of the month abeg, because we’ll only know if the month was happy after the 25th. We are literally 25 days away from a very defining moment in our lives and future as Nigerians! A lot has been, and is still being said about the elections and the need to be strategic and very intentional about this one. Not only would the February 25th Presidential elections determine the next four or most likely eight years for Nigeria and Nigerians, it would determine many many more years after that, truth be told!

Am sure you have made up your mind already on who to vote and collected your PVC (or going to get yours today or tomorrow), and decided how involved you want to get in this civic responsibility we have as Nigerians, and rare privilege we have as individuals to determine our own future. I would not bore you with candidate credentials and track record , there is a lot of information out there, in case you need to know a little more (I would wonder what you have been doing since not to have as much information as you need by now though).

I just thought to send you a quick reminder of how very very crucial this month is for us as eligible voting Nigerians. Allow me to use bullet points for better articulation (no pun intended abeg). 

1. Of all the 18 parties fielding candidates for the office of the President, at least we have tasted two of them, and I am not sure how they taste in your mouth (because sweetness is in the mouth of the taster … As e dey pain us, e fit dey sweet you 🤷🏽‍♂️). We have had doses of APC and PDP, and it is definitely time to taste something else, or so I think.
2. Unlike past elections, there is a new kid on the block - Labour Party - thanks to Mr. Peter Obi and the massive support he has received in the last few months. Apparently, we are no longer thorn between two evils, there is a third ‘evil’ at least, which we have not tried. And at this point, I don’t think the devil we know is better than the angel we do not know, let’s get to meet the angel first then we can decide, or what do you think? 
3. Unlike previous elections, where ‘the two elephants’ have refused to show up for debate and have gone about abusing one another (as they are still doing in this one) we have one candidate who goes on talking to everyone who cares to listen (on radio, TV interviews, session with youth and students, leaders of businesses and industry, online audience on any platform that makes itself available, and so on) about his plans for Nigerians and Nigeria, dedication and commitment to office, and upholding values we can hold him accountable for - commitment, character and competence. These are leadership ethics that would drive us many miles forward as a nation, or what do you think?
4. Unlike previous elections, where votes have been sold by hungry Nigerians to bidder who sort these votes by hook or crook (and are still seeking them sort by all means even now), we have a candidate who has openly told supporters (the same hungry Nigerians) that he would not buy their votes, but rather would do all he can to stop them from going hungry if they trust him with their votes. I just hope hunger and greed would not cloud our minds from choosing wisely this time around.

The list goes on, but abeg am tired (Do you want to add to my list in the comment section, please?)? Thinking about the justifications and shameful defense people have sometimes for publicly justifying their choice of ‘old wine’ makes me sick beyond my stomach. Like how nau!? Anyways, some would literally walk into the fire with their eyes wide open, what do you do?

My dear country people, we have NEVER had it this good in the political history of Nigeria in terms of political options and very vivid prospects for political change. Just what if these options and political realities are unfolding before us for such a time as this? The future (not eight years) is a really long time for us to make any irrational, non-strategic, selfish decisions about. 90+ million registered voters, 60+ million registered voters within ages 49 and below. What better way than through the ballot? What better day than February 25 2023, to really decide the future we want? 

The die would be cast any moment soon! What’s it going to be? Use your head and heart guys! 

Feel free to share your thoughts too 🙏🏽

Divorce Culture: My 2Cent!

Divorce is becoming a way of life in Nigeria, and if you think this is only common among celebrities, then think again, because if you look around you, you may well have that one relative or close friend or acquaintance who is either separated or who is currently undergoing a divorce. 

Ireti Doyle was the most recent shocker. I literally screamed in the kitchen when I read this yesterday morning, my wife thought I had chopped off my finger with the kitchen knife. In the last one year alone I have lost count. The social media has not made it any easier as people’s life’s and relationships have been brought before the ‘judgement seat’ of social media. I am literally waiting to hear Basket Mouth share a joke about his divorce the same way he had several jokes about his wife. 🙈

Jokes apart though, to be fair, relationships, let alone marriage, is one of the most difficult jobs on earth, no capping! I listened to one preacher say, if your marriage is like being a frying pan, then get fried 😊 I’ll let you make whatever you can out of this unconventional statement. But here is my 2 cent sha… 

1. There is no such thing as ‘the right person’ in marriage. Don’t be deceived by all the many relationship bloggers on IG, marriage is hard work guys, doesn’t matter if your spouse is an angel, the mere fact that you are human means that your selfishness will manifest sometimes and that ‘angel’ will piss you off badly and maybe regularly. I don’t know how else to say it sha, but there is so much more to it than the ass grabs, the stolen kisses, the public paparazzi, the awwwn-ish skits (whatever that means), the sex and fill in the blanks. If you are not ready for the job, stay clear! 🙏🏽
2. The boobs, nice ass, 6 packs, and figure 8 are all beautiful stuff, but when the chips are down, you will be willing to walk away from all of them. Pay attention to the things that matter the most; faith, and values.
3. Love is so much more than just a feeling. Beyond all the butterflies in the belly and incredible emotions, love is a very strong commitment.
4. Forgiveness is key! Always be ready to give your partner a million chances over. You don’t have to put or keep yourself in harms way, but don’t ever shut the door to forgiveness. 
5. Social media is a trap, don’t get carried away guys. Keep private business private, because at the end of the day, nobody send you for ‘these streets’ 🤷🏽‍♂️

Imagine that, with all the blunders you have made so far in your short life, you wake up one morning and God says He can’t put up with you anymore, and He is leaving. Unthinkable right? That’s how marriage ought to be; “as Christ loves the church” (Eph. 5:25). Forgive me, but talking about marriage without the Bible is like trying to fix a product without the manufacturer’s manual. 

Am not saying you should stay in a toxic environment/relationship, but be careful  not to get into one in the first place, and even if you did, quitting may not be an option. But I mean, what do I know? 

Did a post about finding the right person to marry a while back though, you can read it here

Please what’s your 2 cents on this matter abeg? Feel free to disagree with me in the comments section! 👍 

#myrandomweeklythoughts

HELP! I THINK I AM SICK! 😞

First things first! Happy new year to y’all reading this piece. I hope you are on the bright (or at least fair side of life). I really don’t know how happy the year would be (in fact I’m sure there is nothing happy about the new year) for the many people who have lost properties and loves ones because of the 11 months of senselessness going on in Ukraine. My heart goes out to them, and all others suffering untold hardships in Somalia, Sudan and many other parts of the world (including my dear Nigeria). Jesus needs to come soon and wrap up this mess we call ‘life’ to usher in ‘eternal life’ ASAP….If you agree with me on this just type AMEN in the comment section 👇🏽

So, my last post here was in September, and I even came back with accusations, that you were the reason why I was not posting consistently on my blog (maybe I am right about that sha), but there is a bigger problem. I AM SICK! I have been self-diagnosed with inconsistency, and it’s taking a toll on me! It’s almost creeping into every area of my life, but let me focus on blogging for now. 😞

So my plan is to post on my blog once every week, but for three years now, I have struggled with it. I have tried several medications for this in the past guys; I have reminders permanently set on my phone to make a blog post (in-fact my wife yabbed me about it few days back), I have made a list of topics to blog about, I have definitely prayed about it too, but nothing seems to be working. 

It’s psychologically draining a-times guys, honestly. This is me being vulnerable and I am getting tired fam, but I refuse to throw in the towel. Here is me giving it another shot! I do not consider myself a failure because I only fail when I give up trying. So while I am motivating myself and saying to myself ‘I can do this’, I know there are some of you (let me not say many of you) who are on this ‘table’ with me too. Please let me know how you are dealing with your own sickness and what medications you are using, because by the grace of God, 2023 is our year of HEALING! 

So leave me a few words in the comments please, hopefully I am not in this alone 🙏🏽 

Meanwhile, I wish y’all a very rewarding and progressive year ahead. I hope and pray that it is your best year yet! Happy new year! 🎆

Max is going to Jail because of ‘Rigorous Sexual Activity’!

Hey there... 

So I was listening to the radio yesterday and came across this conversation that I found rather thought provoking and I thought to share with you... here it is!

This certain guy (let’s call him Maxwell) is known in his neighborhood for womanizing; he brings a different lady home almost every night for a sleepover. Unfortunately, on this day, he brings home Cynthia who unknown to him is asthmatic. In the middle of the night, Cynthia has an attack as a result of rigorous sexual activity (or for whatever reason) and sadly she doesn’t make it through the night, despite Maxwell doing everything within his power (except taking her to the hospital) to help the lady and save the situation. Poor boy!

Of course the police is involved and Maxwell is in detention awaiting trial. 

So before y’all begin to judge for trying to live the ‘good life’ 🤪, take a chill pill. The deed has been done already, so leave Maxwell to reflect a little behind bars while he awaits his trial.

But here is where you come in; drop a word of advice for a potential Cynthia and Maxwell out there. If you were to advice Cynthia and/or Maxwell before the ordeal,

WATIN YOU GO TALK? 🤔

Don’t fall hand abeg, use the comment section 🙏🏽🙏🏽

LONG ‘LIVE’ THE QUEEN!

What a week it’s been!

Liz Truss is sworn in and exactly two days after, Queen Elizabeth II bows out of not just the throne, but life in totality! 

February 6, 1952 to September 8, 2022; exactly 70 years, 7 months and 2 days after, the sun has finally set over Burkingham palace! 

70 years of vision, stability and consistency in the face of rapid changes and extreme global uncertainties. Late Queen Elizabeth has been described as “the only constant in the very rapidly changing times”. Hers has been a reign of admiration, and it is obvious that she is leaving behind STRUCTURES that would sustain the gains of 7+ decades.

African leaders are reminded once again that leadership is service and should deliver more than just ‘dividend of democracy’

Only time would tell what would come out of the reign of King Charles III, but in the words of my friend; Seraphine Aku-Batse; ‘London bridge has fallen’!

How did you receive the news of the Queens demise? Share in the comment section 

TWO YEARS AGO!

It’s been over two years I made any post on my blog... exactly 2 years and 4 months since my last post.

Please what is the drug for inconsistency again? I think I need a dosage. 

Well, I am giving it another try. 

Wish me luck and hey, read and make comments too! You sef follow for my problem 🤪

How’s the month going for you so far? 

Use the comment section and let me know what you would like me to write about more? Cheers! 

EVIL GREATER THAN COVID-19

Our world is at a crossroad guys! We have never seen anything like it (not in our generation at least), Some say it’s a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD), others say its global epidemic, still others say it’s population control strategy gone wrong, but whatever it is, it has brought our lives to a standstill, literally! That’s not even the heart of my gist in this particular blogpost.

You know, a lockdown has been imminent, only it took the government this long to declare it. Some have even argued that it ought to have been a national lockdown, especially since our condition in Nigeria is unique; among other things, there is a criteria for those who can be tested - have a travel history, showing symptoms, contact with a carrier and bla bla bla - meaning that several asymptotic persons are probably moving around and spreading the virus to other states that are not Ogun, Lagos and Abuja. Away from that too...

So I came across this news article yesterday of a German government official who was believed to have committed suicide as a fallout of COVID-19. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/german-minister-of-finance-commits-suicide-over-coronavirus/Just in case you are interested, that’s the link. This got me to think more deeply about the wider consequences of COVID-19. Mental health is at stake fam! Unfortunately, all the medical attention now (or at least a very large percentage of it) is focused on testing, isolation and treatments of victims, no one seems to be concerned/talking about the mental health implications of all of these. WE MAY HAVE MORE ‘MAD’ PEOPLE IN THE STREETS WHEN COVID-19 IS OVER (if not even before then). Why do I think so? So many reasons, but I’ll just state a few...

1️⃣For a good number of Nigerians, ‘work’ is the only ‘escape’ from home for several reasons; nagging spouse, troublesome kids, among others. Now they are forced to face their ‘giants’, and certainly there would be casualties. Already, statistics from China show that divorce rates have spiked in the last two months, God help us in a country like ours where almost every figure is a gross underestimate.

2️⃣Many Nigerians; and we are talking some 60-70% of Lagosians especially, are daily earners. They basically will starve if they don’t go out in a day. There have been reports of State and Federal government distributing food items and 20k to ‘poor households’ (I saw this one yesterday and laughed; Nigeria my country! SMH) respectively. And kudos to celebrities who have been doing a lot of giveaways, but how many people are giving away, how coordinated is the giving, and how many people are actually getting? Apparently, many people may likely die of hunger before depression even gets to them.

3️⃣Frustration from the lack of basic amenities will drive people crazy, literally. I saw a video on IG yesterday, of a famous Nigerian Actress frustrated about the unending and maddening sound of generators in her neighborhood, and crying and begging the government to provide electricity if people have to stay home. I am certain millions of other people (including myself) share her sentiment. Unfortunately, we can’t all handle frustration equally and we have a ‘deaf’ government (for lack of a better word); some may be pushed to breaking point if the frustration continues for two whole weeks ‘at the first instance’.

I could go on and on, but I guess my point is made. Depression, anxiety and the likes, may be greater evils than COVID-19 when the chips are down. But you can be a part of the solution; 

• reach out constantly to that friend who you know has a pre-existing mental health condition.
• check in regularly with your friends and acquaintances who you know are home alone at this time.
• be conscious of your own mental health too. Exercise as often as possible (it works!)
• engage in some productive activities, at least read a book!
• as much as possible, don’t share fake news. Even some of the real news can be depressing too, so don’t share ‘depressing real news’. There is enough to chew on already.
• pray and hope in God! COVID-19 has proven (even to the Atheists, I believe) that the help of humanity certainly has to come from outside of humanity. 

I am certainly this phase will be in the past sooner than we think, and I hope and pray that our sanity is intact when all of this is over.

Share in the comment section how you are keeping sane in the midst of this crisis (you could cheer someone on!) 🙏🏽