This is an old phrase which means that the primary force for most inventions are needs.
It is often touted that when the need for something becomes essential, one is forced to find ways of achieving it. The novel Coronavirus pandemic put the world in a difficult situation, and we all became inspired to create a novel or ingenious solution.
Just like during the Nigerian/Biafra civil war, when this phrase came very handy as survival instinct kicked in, and the Biafrans under heavy aerial and surface bombardments, and economic blockade, manufactured weapons of war to ensure their survival. They manufactured bombs, and guided rockets to their desired targets. Oil was refined freely at the backyards, and vehicles were kept on the roads for 3 years with fabricated spare parts. Airport was kept in use, and planes were landed at nights even when stealth jets lurked around undetected, and in the morning was camouflaged into a grassy field.
There’s no better way to illustrate the phrase “necessity is the mother of invention” than this war example, as people tend to respond and adapt effectively to urgency or necessity rather than their own motivation.
The COVID-19 pandemic which started from Wuhan in China and spread to almost all the countries of the world has been a war mankind is fighting. I can’t remember anytime in history when the world stood still and the same reason kept everyone at home, no matter the part of the world one lives in, the race and the colour. I can’t also remember the time in history when the whole world in unison is looking for solution for the same thing at the same time. Economies were grounded as shops and workplaces closed. Sporting activities shutdown and the stadia became empty. Echoes of joy were replaced by palpable fears. Schools closed down, and reopening is not anywhere near.
Love and the milk of human kindness were reinvented, and we started seeing humanity at its best. People started lending helping hands to people who have nothing, and most governments took up responsibilities of their people so they could stay home and be safe (except in Nigeria where people were locked in without palliatives and still expected to stay months amidst hunger and fear).
Read Also: Nigeria Hit With 248 New Cases Of Coronavirus, 17 Deaths
Companies stopped productions, and channeled their efforts into making life-saving and preventive machines, hospital equipment and gears. Vehicle manufacturing companies started making ventilators, alcohol companies started producing alcohol-based sanitizers, garment companies started producing face masks and Personal protective equipment. Individuals started inventing automatic soaps and water dispensers for hand washing, so as not to touch surfaces for fear of being infected by the virus. Many were making face masks and distributing for free. Some sports stars joined the frontlines, while others raised funds, musicians sang to rekindle hopes, other celebrities did something amazing and impactful in their various fields. Even old war veterans did some amazing things and raised funds to support the health workers and the entire world.
For once, all hands were really on deck.
In My country Nigeria where there’s little to no government presence, the masses provided for themselves as always. In absence of affordable N95 and surgical masks, our tailors invented clothes face masks in different styles, shapes, and sizes that have been serving its purpose. Food items, sanitizers, beverages, hospital equipment, and cash were shared by individuals to their kindreds, villages, towns, and hospitals, and are still sharing. The government added salt to injury by giving out expired foods to the people. Billions of naira was shared, but nobody can identify anyone who benefited from the largesse, but the government.
Though millions of people have been infected, hundreds of thousands died, and millions recovered, while the pandemic rages on, there’s a brighter light at the end of the tunnel. There have been several claims of finding the cure for COVID-19 in Africa like the Madagascar organic and many more other herbs which are subject to World Health Organization testing and approval. There are also ongoing human trials of cures by many countries and big pharmaceuticals.
We have all learnt valuable lessons this time, many useful inventions made, many hearts healed, many marriages healed, many children have the privilege of being with their parents which were not possible because of work and business, humanity learnt how to show appreciation and people sang together to give hope to each other from their balconies. Many learnt new skills, and so on.
To the frontline workers, you all are the true heroes!
To those who lost loved ones in this fight, be consoled.
To everyone else, this too shall pass, and life will return to normal again.
Indeed necessity sharpens ingenuity and Misery Teaches.
By Odumodu Gbulagu
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK