By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The lockdown of Lagos State to control the spread of Coronavirus pandemic has brought economic activities in all parts of state to a halt.
The total lockdown of Lagos State and some other states was sequel to the national broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari on March 29 in respect of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic which is ravaging the entire globe.
The stay-at-home directive was a complete success as people kept off the roads /streets.
Shops and stores were under lock except those that sell foodstuffs and medicines.
Commercial /private vehicles were off the roads and streets.
A check by TheNiche around Orile-Iganmu axis of Lagos State showed that ever busy Lagos-Badagry expressway remained deserted as no vehicle was seen on the road.
The only vehicles spotted in trickle were those carrying people on essential duties.
The streets were completely empty but were however turned to playing ground by youths and children.
All vehicles were packed along the streets.
Major streets such as Adeniran Ogunsanya, Bode Thomas and Eric Moore in Surulere area were desolate. The usual hustling and bustling of the area seized.
Challenges
The lockdown is not without challenges.
Some of the challenges expressed by some people who spoke with the TheNiche is the escalation of cost of foodstuffs.
The cost of a paint of beans which was N750 is now N1400 while Derica cup which was N150 is now N200.
A paint of garri which was N450 is now N1000 and above depending on the stuff.
A tuber of yam of a about N300/N400 is now N800/N1000 depending on the size.
Another challenge expressed by some individuals is the problem of boredom.
According to one Mr Adekola, “I am not used to staying one place as my business involved moving around, hustling in order to get what to feed my family”
“This stay-at-home is boredom and frustrating”
“Our greatest problem in this our area is light.
“We have no electricity supply for over one month and with this stay-at-home, how can we cope? he asked. The clustering of youths and children playing football on the streets is s cause for worry. One of the measures adopted to avoid being infected is social distancing but with the mixing up of the youths and children playing football, they become vulnerable.
