The year 2020 has been an historic year in view of the various happenings with the year. There are various issues that stand out in the year. On this edition of the programme, we shall be having a review of those major events as we assess the challenges, emerging issues and way forward as the year winds down gradually.

Notable among this events are of insecurity ranging from farmer-herdsmen attacks, increased kidnapping, banditry and insurgency. Other major talking points are the issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, and #EndSARS protest. The various regions of the country have had its fair share of insecurity in the year 2020.The kankara school boys’ kidnappings is one among the numerous kidnappings carried out by Bandits and Boko Haram within the north eastern and north western regions of the nation.

Also, while still dwelling on the events of the year, the Academic Staff Union of Universities had been on strike for a record of 9 months within the year, although, called off, but students are still uncertain as to when they will go back to school. Government announced within the year that the country had gone into a second recession within 5 years.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected lives and livelihood as we lockdown and other measures to curtail the spread of the novel virus. Many hopes and desires were scuttled with the news of the identification of the first index case on 28thFeb 2020, the pandemic affected most business, communities, countries and world at large. Massive deaths have been recorded as NCDC pegged current statistics of affected person at 79,789, discharged persons at 68,879 and death rate at 1,231 so far. There’s palpable fear of a second wave of pandemic as restrictions are gradually returning.

All these and many more will form the bases of our discussion today as we review major talking points within the year. Which of these issue(s) stand out for you? What are the emerging issues as the year winds down? And what are grateful to God for this year.