The unending greed of us as Nigerians is more responsible for this hardship we are currently facing – Abayomi Odunowo
As a Nigerian citizen, I can’t help but feel deeply concerned about the rampant greed and wickedness that seems to be plaguing our society. One of the most glaring examples of this can be seen in the behavior of some distributors, who take advantage of their customers by arbitrarily increasing the prices of their goods throughout the day.
Take for instance the case of cement, a crucial building material that is in high demand in Nigeria. It’s quite baffling to see how the price of cement can vary so drastically within the span of a single day. At 7am, the price stands at a reasonable N8000. However, by 11am, it has shot up to N8600. Just a few hours later, at 2pm, it spikes again to N9000. And by 4pm, it reaches an exorbitant N9500.
What’s so striking about this scenario is that it involves the same distributor and the same customer. It’s not a case of fluctuating market conditions or external factors influencing the price. It’s a clear case of greed and exploitation at play. The distributor is taking advantage of the customer’s need for cement, and using it as an opportunity to line their own pockets.
This behavior is not only morally reprehensible, but it also has serious repercussions for the larger society. High and fluctuating prices for essential goods like cement can have a cascading effect on the overall economy. Construction projects may be delayed or scaled back due to the unpredictability of prices, and this can have a negative impact on job creation and housing availability. It also erodes trust in the market and discourages investment, which can further stunt economic growth.
It’s easy to lay the blame for this situation at the feet of the government or invoke the specter of inflation as the cause. But the truth is that this is a symptom of a deeper problem within our society. It’s a symptom of the pervasive greed and lack of empathy that seems to be ingrained in some individuals. This is not a problem that can be solved solely through policy or economic interventions. It’s a problem that requires a fundamental shift in the way we as Nigerians view and interact with each other.
We as citizens are the problems of Nigeria as a nation, and it’s time for each and every one of us to take a hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves what kind of society we want to be a part of. Do we want to be a society that is characterized by selfishness and exploitation, or do we want to be a society that is built on principles of fairness and mutual respect?
If we choose the latter, then it’s imperative that we start holding each other accountable for our actions. We must push back against those who seek to take advantage of others for their own gain. We must demand transparency and fairness in all our transactions, and we must be willing to speak out against injustices when we see them.
Furthermore, we must work together to build a society that is rooted in empathy and compassion. We must strive to see the humanity in each other, and recognize that our collective well-being is intricately linked. If one of us suffers, then we all suffer.
In conclusion, the issue of fluctuating cement prices is not just about economics. It’s a symptom of a larger societal ill that requires collective action to remedy. We cannot afford to continue turning a blind eye to the rampant greed and exploitation that is tearing at the fabric of our society. It’s time to rise up and demand a better, fairer Nigeria for all.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
16th February, 2024
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