A Lockdown Story
By: Oji Naomi Emuejevuoke
The earth has been on a very long slumber. A very unpredictable one at that! It all began when the virus known as CORONA was discovered in 2019 and thus, had it’s name COVID-19. This was said to have first been discovered in a town known as WUHAN in China.
Rumour has it that the cause of the virus was because the people of Wuhan eats bat, live rodents and the likes.
At first, the virus was in every continent except Africa. Oh! Who knows? Maybe the virus was scared of Africans! I guess we all thought we were lucky enough to be left out in the pandemic until late March, 2020. Nigeria had her first case of COVID-19 in Lagos, and gradually it spread across the country, which resulted to a supposed two weeks lockdown in the affected states.
My place of residence, Edo State was among the affected areas. Well, the lockdown which initially was just for two weeks turned into months.

Image By: Namnso Ukpanah
Life during the lockdown wasn’t easy, especially for those who weren’t financially buoyant. Citizens were asked to stay indoors on self isolation. Obviously, staying indoors wouldn’t put food on the table for some citizens, although the president mentioned feeding people during the lockdown.
How could there be a lockdown when the rate of poverty in our dear country is extremely high? How could there be a lockdown when we have street kids all over the country? How could there be a lockdown when some people need to work everyday including Sundays in order to be able to have at most two meals a day! Where would those street kids go to? Shelter wasn’t provided for them. We want to curb the virus when we haven’t made a single plan in curbing a greater disease, POVERTY!

Image By: Ouinuchi Ejiohuo
I’m not against the lockdown. My point is, proper measures were supposed to have been taken before the lockdown. Shelter for homeless persons in the country were meant to have been provided. Is it one who can’t afford shelter for himself that would deem it necessary or prolly even have the money to buy a face mask? If these unsheltered persons roam about, only Heaven would save the GIANT OF AFRICA.
We’re meant to be social distancing, but I watched a video I guess it was broadcasted also, somewhere in Lagos State, food items were being distributed amongst people who were not masked, even though the distributors were properly masked.
The people were more than two hundred!
As I said earlier, these persons weren’t masked at all. The rules regarding social distancing were not maintained at all, as they all looked like sardine packed in a small container.
On proper planning, the food items could have been shared in a more civilized way, without risking the health of citizens.
Students of various institutions have been at home for almost three months! What measure has been put in place to make sure these students are not moved backward academically? Is it the proposed virtual class we heard of but never had? Is our dear country too poor to afford virtual classes for all students and pupils of various institutions? The reason is not even farfetched. Many of our leaders are so engrossed in the sweetness of money and affluence, blinded by corruption.
But the good thing about the lockdown is, I was able to attend webinars which on a normal day I wouldn’t have been able to attend, because of lectures and all. I did acquire skills which would help me even after the lockdown.
This virus is beyond MASKING. Crimes are being committed. People are being murdered. Some are being raped! The world needs more than a mask to save us from these VIRUSES, God help us.
A Note From Eden: Dear Naomi,
You blew my mind! It’s been just few weeks of knowing you, yet, it feels like a lifetime. In duality, I stand in awe and excitement of everything you reflect. In all beauty, courage, brilliance and simplicity, you glow from inside out. Your empathy is a reflection of the sunshine you carry.
You. Are. Beyond. Golden. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.
Cheers!
Much love!!
30 comments
Wow!!!
Sometimes it seems like they just take us for a joke. So much truth in one piece.
God bless you for this!
A good piece really
Thanks
Beauty with brains
So insightful
Even before the virus, so many other silent viruses has been within. We need healing. You’ve said it all.
Thought provoking. So lovely
No proper planning whatsoever. No laid down structure from leadership. Especially the kind that would be felt by an average man in the nation. It’s high time we took our destinies in our hands and strive for life in any legal way we can. Hoping on some government is now like day dreaming.
Brilliantly articulated.
I love you girl!
it is definitely beyond masking… we need to curb the virus called poverty and underdevelopmemt.. Beautiful piece dear
The simplicity and empathy of your write up is classic! Your pen will never run afloat. I’m most proud of you beautiful Naomi.
You’ve said it all. We pray God help our ‘Giant Of Africa’ 🙏🏼
Thanks for this piece
Weldon dear, wonderful write up message well directed…
Salient points raised. And it’s so lovely to see these coming from a beautiful, young one.
Nice one . indeed a summary
well thought out write-up Naomi. Keep the good work!
Your last line speaks volume. Bravo!!!!
You are good. I wonder why it took you so longer to show us your pen. Keep writing dear.
Wow…. really nice dear.
Well, u have brought forth a nice analysis of our country lack of good and knowledgeable leaders.
Nice piece dear❤️
Nao that was beautiful,I’ll be honest I thought I’d have to pretend to like it,but this, I don’t like this I absolutely love this,I have new found new found respect for you I’ll love to see what u write next
Naomi, this is insightful. continue to soar, the sky is your starting point!
Nice piece, beautifully done 👍
A popular saying states that “beauty without brains, is a display of cosmetic foolishness”..
This was beautiful and brilliant Naomi, I’m proud to be your coursemate😊
Well Said..
Awesome 🥺 I feel like reading over and over
Naomi ❤️❤️
Mind blown is all that comes to mind… Well done Naomi