Subsidy - by Friday Okwori

There was a great deal of unrest nationwide. Well, it began as a simple price rise, but over time, things quickly got worse. Inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached an all-time high. Eating seemed to be a luxury now. Not shawarma, pizza, parfait, or anything else you arguably don't require. People were unable to afford even the most basic foods. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) chose not to continue reporting the CPI because it was too high. Malnutrition was causing children to perish on a daily basis. Those who were still alive had kwashiorkor. It was quite traumatic. Hunger, as usual, brings with it a number of negative vices. There were insecurities of every kind you could imagine. People lost their livelihoods and occupations. Even though it was underreported, unemployment rate was outrageous. Nothing seemed to be going well in the nation. It was a complete mess. Everyone was looking to the nation's leaders for answers. If they couldn't turn the tides, why were they elected? In actuality, the leaders were not the source of these issues. Their issues were not brought on by a hastily delivered speech. It was the severance of diplomatic ties with another country. Imagine a conflict similar to the one between Russia and Ukraine, but without any missile being launched. Their whole land borders were attacked. The US, UN, and other international organizations attempted to mediate the conflict, but the aggressor did not heed their appeal. Even the issued threats and penalties failed to stop them. They were determined to bring this nation to its knees. This nation under siege was mostly a consumer-based one so economic activities were largely restricted. They imported about everything you could imagine, thus the effects of the attacks were horrifying. They were also very populous, so whatever they produced was insufficient. The issues changed from being physical to mental. People fed on animals complacently. They didn't consume goats, birds, or anything else you can think of. They consumed animal faeces. You read that correctly. You would be wrong to assume that the level of hunger and misery was at its worst at that time. They began eating their children when they ran out of food and animal faeces. People were no longer certain of their existence. Adults and the elderly would soon be on the menu. At this point, it didn't matter where the solution would come from because the entire nation was in desperate need of one. It made no difference if the urge for a solution sprang from the fear of being eaten. They wanted to reclaim their mandate, from the hands of the oppressor. This country also had a religious component. Being a strongly devout country has its own risk, people are susceptible to con clergies who pretend to be messengers from God. The authorities decided to consult a highly regarded prophet for guidance because the people needed assistance. In fact, they went to him with rage and violence. It had gotten to that point. They couldn't comprehend why he couldn't do anything because of his track record of impressive results. The prophet's life was also in danger. This prophet made a proclamation that he claimed was inspired by the Lord. The announcement looked like a political statement more than anything else. He gave off the impression that he was chasing clout. In fact, there were rumours that he was a covert opposition party member. Since the famine had been going on for a time, it would need to be eased off gradually. It's not complicated; it's logical. But this prophet argued otherwise, predicting that it would end in a single day. Even the price at which foodstuff would sell was provided. It was ridiculous! Economic specialists examined this clergyman's prophecy as was expected. Everyone had different opinions of what he said. Some folks chose not to listen to what he had to say. After all, he wasn't an expert in economics. Would you believe a mechanic's assessment of your health? It was hard to anticipate that things would change quickly because their borders were still closed. Any kind of intervention was required for them at that point! What if the government provided subsidy to people in need in order to lessen their suffering? Subsidy seemed to be the relief from the pain. Even if the details were still hazy, it seemed like the only option. Even the prophet was unaware of how everything would transpire once the proclamation was made. He just spoke and walked away. It rather made him look more foolish. No doubt, a miracle was important! All of us, as well as corporations and governments, require miracles occasionally. Despite the fact that nobody wants to seem clueless, a miracle could sometimes be the only way out. In fact, when everything appears hopeless, a miracle can be God's own subsidy! Article is culled from a bible story (2 Kings 6:24-33).

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