by Otolorin Olabode
Ten years ago, I remember running errands on the street for my dad. He had sent me to a shop to purchase a few items. He told me, “Bode, buy a pack of St. Louis sugar and a Three Crowns milk tin”. I asked the retailer, “How much is Three Crowns milk?”. He replied Eighty Naira. I spoke further “What about St. Louis?” 180 Naira, He responded.
Then life was easy and simple. As a middle-class family, we managed the few and available resources. I attended a private primary school in which the highest school fee I ever paid was 13,5000 with feeding and transportation included. Things were cheap. The now expensive “Petrol” was 65Naira then. Anyone who traversed the Ijoko-Sango road then knew life was easy and simple. Was it the air we breathed in? Unpolluted. Fresh and Clean. The only illnesses I knew about were headache, fever and malaria which would only last for a few days. No complicated ailment.
Even as a kid then, I was taught how to plant beans and maize which I did at the backyard. There was no envy, strife or competition to dress well. We all bought what we could afford. Even then, any clothes my Mother bought at the famous Supa (a place where used clothes are bought and sold) was like brand new. I couldn’t ask for more The 20Naira pocket money I was given was like a goldmine then. Who remembers the days of “Two for N5”. There were a few motorcycles around then. We all preferred to walk to the bus-stop then.
Alas, that was ten years ago. Then life was easy not only according to Mr Eazi. Three Crowns Milk now sells for 150-160
St. Louis sugar is above 300naira. Times have changed. The birth of so many firms and factories has deprived us of our undiluted air. Did I also forget to say so many social vices have birthed since then? Kidnapping, Petty theft and cyber crime have all risen to an all-time high. Who would ever imagine an eminent personality like Senator Iyabo Anisulowo being kidnapped? Several illnesses have surfaced: bone cancer, Ebola and other ailments difficult to pronounce. The average person can’t afford to eat three times daily. Petrol is now 150naira. So many influential Nigerians have passed on. No more “Two for N5”. Even the famous Supa market has increased its prices. It is now a battle to survive.
Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija
Otolorin Olabode is a student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. He is a Creative writer and also a seasoned content writer. He handles Latest9ja, a news and entertainment website. His Instagram handle is @ viewsfromthebod .
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