HARDSHIP IN NIGERIA: PROPAGANDA IS NOT WORKING

 

Nigeria is currently facing a severe economic crisis characterized by a currency devaluation, soaring inflation, and widespread hardship. In a layman words, the hunger is real!

The Central Bank of Nigeria allowed the naira to fall by as much as 40% in June 2023, following the removal of petrol subsidies by President Bola Tinubu, leading to significant economic challenges for households, businesses, and the government. The country's annual inflation is nearing 30%, with the Nigerian naira hitting record lows against the U.S. dollar, exacerbating the cost of living and prompting protests nationwide. This economic turmoil is further compounded by factors such as high government debt, unemployment, power shortages, declining oil production, and a heavy reliance on imports to meet the needs of its growing population. To alleviate the impact of reforms and cushion the hardship faced by vulnerable households, Nigeria has proposed cash transfers to 12 million households, to provide each recipient with 25,000 naira for three months. These measures hope to address rising prices, particularly in food, and support those less well-off amidst the challenging economic conditions in the country.

Photo credit: The Guardian Nigeria

 

The naira crisis in Nigeria has significantly impacted businesses in the country, leading to economic difficulties and challenges. The devaluation of the naira, which has fallen by as much as 40% and lost 230% of its value against the U.S. dollar in the last year, has created a situation where businesses and investors have had to navigate multiple exchange rates, contradictory statements from officials, and a scarcity of dollars. This currency devaluation has further exacerbated the economic hardship faced by Nigerian businesses, with the plummeting naira affecting incomes, savings, and overall business operations. The economic crisis has also resulted in a surge in inflation, nearing 30%, which has added to the financial strain on businesses and consumers alike. Additionally, the removal of gas subsidies and other government reforms have contributed to the challenges faced by businesses, including increased costs and reduced consumer purchasing power. Overall, the naira crisis has created a challenging environment for Nigerian businesses, impacting their operations, profitability, and ability to navigate the economic turmoil in the country.

Propaganda has played a significant role in the context of the naira crisis and hardship in Nigeria, particularly in shaping public opinion and influencing perceptions during times of economic turmoil. In the past, the Nigerian government has employed various propaganda strategies to manage crises and conflicts, such as the ASUU-FGN feud in 2013, where deliberate falsehoods, suppression of negative information, and misinformation were used to sway public sympathy and support towards the government's stance. Propaganda has been utilized as a strategic weapon to influence public sentiment, distort facts, and manipulate narratives to serve political goals during challenging situations like economic crises and labor disputes. The use of propaganda techniques like black propaganda, which involves spreading lies and deceptions through concealed sources or false authorities, has been observed in instances where hired groups protested against certain issues under the guise of legitimate associations, demonstrating the manipulation of public perception for political ends. Additionally, propaganda has been employed to manage news, control information dissemination, and strategically time public speeches to placate frustrated populations and win sympathy during times of crisis. Overall, propaganda has been a tool used by the Nigerian government to navigate economic challenges, influence public opinion, and maintain political control amidst hardships like currency devaluation and soaring inflation. The over 200million Nigerians will not yield to any Akpabio-based propaganda except of course it will exterminate the current hardship ravaging the land.

 

Tags: Nigeria, 2024, hardship, economic policy, inflation, Yemi Cardoso, CBN, Bola Tinubu, APC government, Africa, IMF, Mohammadu Buhari, Emefiele

 

Photo credit: The Guardian Nigeria

FROM PAGE TO SCREEN: ANALYZING THE FILM ADAPTATIONS OF FAMOUS BOOKS

 

Introduction:

The process of transforming a beloved book into a captivating film has fascinated audiences and filmmakers for decades. The transition from page to screen presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While some film adaptations successfully capture the essence and magic of the original book, others may fall short of expectations. In this analysis, we delve into the world of film adaptations of famous books, exploring the factors that contribute to their success or failure and examining the impact they have on both literature and cinema.

 

1. The Art of Adaptation:

a) Staying True to the Source Material: One of the primary concerns in adapting a book to film is preserving the essence of the story and characters. Successful adaptations find a delicate balance between fidelity to the source material and creative interpretation.

b) Translating Literary Devices: Books often employ unique literary devices, such as internal monologues or nonlinear narratives, which can be challenging to convey on screen. We explore how filmmakers adapt these devices and maintain the storytelling integrity.

c) Visualizing Imagination: A significant advantage of film adaptations is the ability to visually depict the vivid worlds and imaginative landscapes created in books. We analyze how filmmakers bring these fantastical elements to life while maintaining the viewers' engagement and suspension of disbelief.

 

2. Casting and Performance:

a) The Power of Casting: Choosing the right actors to portray beloved literary characters is crucial to a successful adaptation. We examine the impact of casting decisions on audience reception and the challenges faced by actors in bringing iconic characters to life.

b) Balancing Interpretation: Actors' performances often shape how audiences perceive characters. We explore the fine line between staying true to the book's depiction and allowing actors to bring their own interpretations to the screen.

 

3. Narrative Compression and Expansion:

a) Condensing Complex Narratives: Books often contain intricate plots, multiple storylines, and extensive world-building. Filmmakers face the challenge of condensing these elements into a coherent and engaging cinematic experience. We discuss successful strategies employed to streamline narratives while retaining their core essence.

b) Expanding the Universe: In some cases, filmmakers choose to expand upon the world and events of the original book. We analyze the effects of these expansions on the story's integrity and the reception by both book enthusiasts and general audiences.

 

4. Evolving Cinematic Techniques:

a) Enhancing Visual Storytelling: Films allow for dynamic visuals, cinematography, and special effects that can heighten the impact of a story. We examine how filmmakers use these techniques to enrich the adaptation and create a distinct cinematic experience.

b) Incorporating Sound and Music: Music and sound design play a pivotal role in creating atmosphere and emotion. We explore how filmmakers adapt the written word's auditory elements, such as dialogue and inner thoughts, and the impact of original scores on the adaptation's overall effectiveness.

 

Conclusion:

The process of adapting famous books to the big screen is a challenging and intricate endeavor. It requires a delicate balance between honoring the source material and embracing the unique aspects of the cinematic medium. While some adaptations triumph in capturing the essence of the original work, others face criticism for falling short of fans' expectations. Nonetheless, the exploration of literature through film adaptations continues to captivate audiences, offering fresh perspectives and sparking discussions about the relationship between written and visual storytelling.