As 2024 fades into memory, residents of Ondo State are looking towards 2025 with a mix of hope and trepidation. The economic turmoil of the past year, marked by soaring inflation and a brutal cost of living crisis, has left many feeling uncertain about the future. With government assurances of an improved economy in the new year, will things get better, or will Nigerians face another year of hardship?
Key takeaways from this article:
- Ondo residents have suffered greatly from the economic policies of 2024.
- Market activities are at an all-time low due to rising costs.
- There’s a widespread demand for the government to act and address the root cause of the economic crisis.
- Many citizens are skeptical of government promises without seeing tangible results.
A Year of Economic Hardship
2024 has been a tough year for Nigerians, especially in Ondo State. The economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration have led to a sharp rise in the cost of living, with essential commodities becoming increasingly unaffordable for many families. People are struggling to put food on the table, pay for transportation, and keep up with utility bills. Many feel that the government has been slow to respond to the suffering, and that the policies implemented so far, have negatively affected the common man.
Markets at an All-Time Low
The bustling markets of Akure, such as Oja Oba, Nepa neighbourhood market, and Odopetu, are now witnessing a sharp decrease in activity. Traders are lamenting the decrease in sales as customers simply cannot afford to buy as much as they did before. Moji Ogedengbe, a trader at Oja Oba, expressed her frustration, stating, “My customers are buying less; they just can’t afford it anymore. We hope that things will change in 2025, but we need to see real action from the government.” The economic hardship has not only affected the consumers, but the sellers as well.
Skepticism and the Need for Tangible Action
While the federal government has assured citizens of an improved economy in 2025, many residents remain skeptical. Yomola Adu, a civil servant, emphasized that promises are not enough, stressing the need for tangible changes that will reflect immediately in their lives. She stated, “We need to see tangible changes. Changes like lower prices of commodities, better job opportunities, and more support for small businesses.” People are calling for the government to take immediate action to alleviate the economic burden on families. The frustration is palpable, with many saying they have not experienced such economic hardship before. It has also affected important holidays like Christmas, where residents were unable to celebrate like they normally would because everything was too expensive.
Demands for Government Action
Public affairs analyst, Dare Olaitan, has urged both the state and federal governments to prioritize the immediate needs of citizens in 2025. He highlighted the recent stampedes that occurred in different parts of the country, attributing them to hunger and desperation. He also noted, “The impact of inflation on our daily lives cannot be overstated. It’s imperative that the government addresses the root causes of these economic challenges instead of merely offering reassurances.” People are calling on the government to address the root causes of the crisis, as opposed to just offering assurances, and hope that the government is listening to their cries.
Looking Ahead
As Ondo State residents look towards 2025, their hopes are hinged on the government taking decisive action to address the ongoing economic hardship. They are yearning for a year that is better than 2024, but they are also realistic, and understand that it is up to the government to implement policies that will change things for the better. Will 2025 bring the much needed economic relief, or will Nigerians continue to suffer? Only time will tell.
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