Hunger, Poverty, and Misplaced Blame: A Call for Sustainable Governance in Nigeria by Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi (an advocate of sustainable development projects)
The recent stampede that tragically claimed lives and led to the detention of Queen Naomi and Hamzat is a wake-up call for Nigeria to confront its harsh realities. As debates rage over who is to blame, the truth lies in plain sight: the fault is not with those who tried to provide relief, but with a system that has pushed millions of Nigerians to the brink of desperation.
The Real Cause: Weaponized Poverty
For years, Nigeria’s political leaders have weaponized poverty, using it as a tool to manipulate and control the masses. The sharing of palliatives during festive seasons has become a common strategy to gain political favor, creating a dependency culture that leaves vulnerable citizens scrambling for temporary relief. This mentality—“this person will share food, let’s all go and collect what will cater for us for the next three months”—is deeply ingrained in many households.
The root cause of the stampede lies in the desperation of the people, fueled by hunger and hopelessness. No amount of planning or control can curb the actions of angry and desperate individuals fighting for survival. The focus should not be on punishing organizers like Queen Naomi and Hamzat, who sought to bring relief, but rather on addressing the systemic issues that have made such desperation a norm.
Short-Term Solutions vs. Sustainable Development
Nigeria has long relied on short-term solutions to address complex problems. Instead of implementing sustainable development projects that prioritize food security, infrastructure, and empowerment, resources are spent on temporary fixes that only provide momentary relief.
Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi challenges the government to shift its focus:
> “The leaders are the root cause of this crisis because they do not prioritize sustainable development projects. Let us spend our resources wisely and invest in long-term solutions. This is the only way to break the cycle of poverty and desperation.”
A Country Blessed Yet Mismanaged
Nigeria is a nation blessed with intelligent technocrats and consultants capable of providing workable, locally tailored solutions to the challenges of food insecurity and poverty. However, instead of engaging these experts, the government often seeks the services of foreign consultants unfamiliar with the practical realities of our environment. This misplaced priority has widened the gap between the government and the people it serves.
Moreover, political appointments are often given to associates’ children, who have never experienced poverty, or political followers disconnected from the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians. These appointees have no understanding of what it means to:
Struggle to afford a meal.
Struggle to pay school fees.
Struggle to cover house rent.
Struggle with transport fares.
Struggle to pay bills.
In essence, they are oblivious to the everyday struggles of the masses.
The Irony of Allowances
How can leaders with government-provided feeding, housing, and education allowances empathize with the pain of those who struggle to survive daily? It is absurd to expect such political appointees to implement policies that truly reflect the reality on the ground. As Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi aptly states:
> “You now expect the same people not to be desperate to receive free food that will sustain them for two months? The government must recognize the roots of this desperation.”
If our leaders want to address the root causes of poverty, they must take practical steps. Let them lead by example:
Stop collecting feeding, housing, and other allowances.
Channel those resources into sustainable projects to support the masses.
For instance, since July, members of the House of Representatives have cut their salaries by 50% to support national development. Imagine the impact if all political leaders followed suit. Such actions would not only provide financial relief to the masses but also give leaders a firsthand understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The Desperation Behind the Stampede
The tragedy in Ibadan highlights the desperation of people living on the edge. Hunger and poverty have become weapons wielded by political leaders to maintain control. The distribution of palliatives during festive seasons is not a sustainable solution but a temporary fix to gain political favor. This approach fosters a dependency culture and fuels desperation.
The root cause of the stampede lies in this desperation, not in the actions of Queen Naomi and Hamzat. Their efforts to provide relief were met with the harsh reality of a population struggling to survive. No amount of planning or control can contain the actions of angry and hungry people fighting for survival.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
The government must prioritize sustainable development over short-term fixes. The time has come to:
1. Invest in Food Security:
Empower local farmers through training, subsidies, and access to markets.
Develop infrastructure to support agriculture and reduce food costs.
2. Engage Local Technocrats:
Utilize the expertise of Nigerian consultants who understand the nation’s unique challenges.
Develop long-term policies that address the root causes of poverty.
3. Cut Unnecessary Allowances:
Redirect feeding, housing, and other allowances toward poverty alleviation programs.
Encourage leaders to share in the struggles of their constituents.
4. Focus on Real Governance:
Appoint leaders who are connected to the realities of the masses.
Implement policies that promote education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
5. Invest in Sustainable Development Projects:
Focus on agricultural reforms to boost food production and availability.
Empower local farmers with tools, training, and resources.
Create job opportunities that provide steady income for families.
6. Reassess Palliative Distribution:
Stop using palliatives as political bait.
Design equitable systems to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
7. Address Systemic Poverty:
Implement policies that promote education, health, and skill development.
Prioritize infrastructure development to support local economies.
Accountability, Not Misplaced Blame
Queen Naomi and Hamzat should not bear the burden of a system that has failed its people. Their intent was to provide relief, not to create chaos. The blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the political leaders who have allowed poverty to fester and who continue to neglect sustainable development.
The government must recognize that punitive actions against well-meaning organizers will only discourage others from stepping up to help. Philanthropy is not the enemy—systemic poverty is.
Conclusion: A Challenge to Leadership
As Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi asserts:
“If our leaders want to be practical, let them stop collecting allowances and use those resources to support the masses. Only then will they understand the pain and struggles of Nigerians trying to survive.”
The blame for this tragedy lies not with Queen Naomi and Hamzat but with a system that has weaponized poverty. The government must prioritize sustainable solutions, engage local experts, and redirect resources to create a nation where desperation is no longer the norm.
This is not just a call for justice—it is a call for change. Let us demand better. Let us demand accountability. Let us work toward a Nigeria where no one is left to scramble for survival. #FreeQueenNaomiAndHamzatNow
