BENEFITS OF COVID19 PANDEMIC
Just like one of my favourite quotes which say: “For every bad thing in life, there are more good things to tip the balance.” -Richelle Mead.
The coronavirus (COVID19 Pandemic) which was initially reported to the WHO on December 31, 2019. On January 30, 2020, WHO declared the COVID19 outbreak a global health emergency. On March 11, 2020, WHO declared COVID19 a global pandemic and by April 2020, we started closing our businesses and doors in Nigeria.
This COVID19 pandemic has cost so much to so many people, things which include:
- The loss of lives
- The loss of jobs
- The loss of freedom
- Psychological breakdown
- Poverty etc.
Even as we are awaiting the cure and gradually easing the lockdown, the majority of individuals will continue to see this COVID19 pandemic as more of a disadvantage to them.
I know right now you will be asking yourself, why is my title saying benefits when I am listing the Downsides but stay with me a bit longer and you will find out.
Just like my opening quote, in life, everything bad we go through always has a positive outcome, if we look a bit deeper. And like every other thing in life, COVID19 pandemic also came with its advantages which are as follow:
- IMPROVEMENT ON HYGIENE: Before now, the personal hygiene of a normal Nigerian is little or nothing. Like the popular saying “Dirty no dey kill African man”, we believed that nothing is spoilt or damaged, so we tend to live a carefree lifestyle. But since the introduction of the pandemic, Nigerians are now washing their hands regularly, cleaning their environments and avoiding things that put their life at risk (like going out without facemask).
- IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH SECTOR: It’s no news that the health sector in Nigeria has always been in jeopardy, a sector where adequate finance is not disbursed for maintenance or improvements but with the introduction of the pandemic and closure of borders all over the world, our healthcare system is now being looked into and necessary measures which include the 112 isolation and treatment centres are now in place.
- TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT: If you ask an average Nigerian what he/she uses his/her digital devices (phones, laptop etc.) to do, you will get a response like “to browse, to chat, to watch movies, to play a game and to listen to music”. But since the pandemic started, we are now seeing our Device lesser as a plaything and more as an educational thing. With apps like Zoom, Google learning etc., meeting and online lectures are carried out for easier reach. And for that same reason, more apps and upgrading of the existing app are surfacing online every day to ease human life.
- JOB/FINANCE CREATION: Just like the above advantage which involves creating apps to ease life, we also have tailor and fashion designer becoming creative in designs to suit the pandemic, new online businesses and blogs are being created, Books are being written, more health care workers are being employed, delivery services are more sort after etc.
Even as people are getting laid off from their work, their entrepreneurial spirit is getting activated.
- TIME AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS: This pandemic has taught us how to manage a particular amount for a particular period, how to buy only things that are useful to us at that moment.
Doing nothing with our time has also shown us how time is really important. Time and Finance management has always been a major problem for us but lately, we have taught ourselves how importantly managing both time and finance is great for our favour.
- BUILDING OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIP: This area has more advantages than we can pen down. Such advantages include Parents-Children Relationship, communication between family members, religious activities, re-strategizing and setting of family goals, resolving family issues, reconnecting with love ones etc.
The pandemic has given individuals and family members time to match the break of life and think, plan and amend. while waiting for the lockdown to be eased completely.
Apart from the above-mentioned advantages of COVID19 pandemic on individuals, family and the nation. We can also list others such as:
* Stability of economy.
* Reduction of the fuel pump price.
* Renovation and maintenance of Government properties
* Country’s dependence on itself.
* Necessity to work and have savings.
* Skill acquisitions, Etc.
In conclusion. As we count our losses this period of COVID19 pandemic, let us not forget the blessings attached to it, and if you are yet to see any blessing, Relax and Re-examine your current route then find a better route to success.
