Economic hardship not an excuse for negativity — ex-presidential aide
Former presidential aide, Zainab Ikaz-Kassim, has said that the economic hardship in the country should not be an excuse for negativity.
She also urged Nigerians to adopt a mindset of gratitude, saying it is a key driver of productivity and financial stability.
The former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and Event Management to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari said this on Sunday at the launch of her book in Abuja.
She said, “Economic hardship should not be an excuse for negativity. Gratitude enhances productivity and opens doors to financial opportunities.
“Success is not solely dependent on external circumstances but also on an individual’s mindset and ability to take proactive steps.
“If you are an ungrateful person, you will be unable to be productive, and if you are unable to be productive, you are unable to do anything that will bring you money. So by being grateful, you become more productive, and as a more productive person, regardless of the economic situation, regardless of what the country is saying, as a grateful and productive person, you will be able to come up with something that can fetch your income and help your life generally.”
She noted that gratitude plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s outlook and ability to thrive, especially during the current economic challenges.
Encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, she advised people to appreciate the little things in life, no matter how difficult the situation may seem.
She added, “One of the biggest lessons I learned along the way is grace. There were moments when I found myself judging people—based on how they responded, how engaged they seemed, or how they interacted with me. Some people seemed distant, uninterested, even standoffish.
“But as I listened to their gratitude stories, I realised something important: people are going through so much that we never see.
“Some were grieving. Some were fighting silent battles. Some were simply overwhelmed by life. And yet, despite all of that, they still found moments to be grateful. That changed me. It taught me to pause before reacting, to be slower to judge, and to extend kindness wherever possible.”
She explained that her book is designed to help individuals cultivate gratitude through personal reflections, shared experiences, and practical exercises that promote a positive and resilient mindset.
