Many things define us and our environment is one of them. It is very easy to trace people's behavior to the place they come from.
Our environment plays a vital role in shaping our lives. It's so sad that most of the environments today are toxic. You hear people say things like “I don't want my children to grow up here.”
It's not that they are trying to insult those places, but the environment has a way of affecting people even without their knowledge.
Where I come from is a city of peace, unlike other places where there is segregation; my place welcomes and treats everyone equally.
In Nasarawa State, people often love to be in Akwanga more than in other parts of the state, not because the place is full of opportunities or lifestyle, but for its simplicity.
Most of the inhabitants of this place are strangers who became residents as a result of their jobs; however, after living here for some time, they made it their home, built houses, and moved here permanently.
This happens almost everywhere but the difference is that down here we are one; whether you are indigenous or not, no one will oppress or disrespect you.
Another beautiful thing about my place is the low cost of living. The cost of electricity, food, and transportation is relatively affordable, life here is for everyone. The poor, the average, and the rich can fit in perfectly.
I know how many people came here for work and studies and refused to go back home. They fell in love with the environment and decided to build their lives here.
One got so established that he owns about five clothing shops and other landed properties here.
Life in Akwanga is sweet; ask anyone who once lived here, and you would confirm my words.
However, to every good thing there is a bad side. Although the cost of living is affordable and survival is manageable, job opportunities are scarce.
The only available jobs here are in private organizations and private schools, to be precise. The pay is usually not encouraging, and as such, most of the people here are poor or average.
But this is not a death sentence; the fact that making money here is hard doesn't mean that people are complacent. Most of the people here are hardworking, creating opportunities for themselves.
Nevertheless, I think if the government were to step in and create opportunities by establishing companies and industries, it would go a long way to help.
My state is blessed with several mineral resources; it is popularly known as the home of solid minerals.
Currently, petroleum has been discovered in one of the local governments, and I think they have started exploiting it.
If the government uses some of the revenue they realize from these minerals and creates more opportunities for people, it will go a long way to help.
And if they can't create opportunities directly, they should create a law to encourage business owners to focus on creating meaningful businesses that can employ people and not only on building hotels and relaxation centers.
N.b: All Images Were Generated Using ChatGPT