COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN AND THE IGBO AFRICAN FAMILES

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic came with a high rate of infection; killing people in its trail. This made many countries, including Nigeria, take drastic measures aimed at curtailing its spread. One of the measures was lockdown, involving closure of schools, businesses, markets, industries, transport companies etc. Most countries were affected by the lockdown, the worst hit being the poor in poorly managed countries like Nigeria. Many families, including the hardworking Igbo African families, got trapped in unimaginable difficulties. This explains the need for this research to investigate the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, its effects on the families of Igbo African of south east Nigeria, with particular reference to those residing in Anambra State; and proffer solutions. The focus is on the effects on finance and morals. Data for the study were collected through observation, internet sources and library materials, especially newspapers. Three research questions guided the study. Our findings show that lockdown had extreme negative effects on the economy, education, religion, politics, moral and social life of many; and particularly affected were the finance and morals of Igbo African families of Anambra State, which led to hunger and immoral behaviours respectively. Following from the findings, the researchers suggest farming and skills acquisition as means of solving the problems of Covid-19 lockdown by the Igbo African families of Anambra State. While farming can help reduce hunger, skills can ameliorate boredom and idleness and curb immoral acts that may result from them. The study would be invaluable to the public, teachers, students, and researchers working on Covid-19 lockdown effects.