By ‘Dayo Hassan
In recent times, the cry of hunger has become a chorus in Nigeria, echoing from urban centers to the most rural of areas. Citizens across the nation lament the soaring cost of living, the scarcity of basic necessities, and the inability to afford food. It is easy to point fingers at the government, after all, they are responsible for policies that shape the economy, ensure food security, and provide social safety nets. However, a closer examination reveals that the problem runs deeper, involving not just the government but also the citizens themselves.
Undoubtedly, the government at all levels has its faults. Mismanagement, corruption, and ineffective policies have left the economy in a precarious state. Agricultural initiatives that should have boosted food production have either been poorly implemented or inadequately funded. Infrastructure projects that could ease the transportation of goods from rural farms to urban markets often remain incomplete. Additionally, inflation has made it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet, leading to widespread food insecurity.
However, to place the blame solely on the government would be to overlook a significant part of the problem, the citizens. There has been a troubling rise in the number of able-bodied individuals who, rather than engage in productive agricultural activities, prefer quick and easy money. The allure of instant wealth has led many to abandon farming, the backbone of our food supply, for more immediate but unsustainable means of income.
In urban areas like Lagos, this trend has long been evident. The streets are filled with motorcycle (okada) riders, touts at motor parks, and land grabbers who engage in illegal activities for a quick buck. These individuals, many of whom could have been productive farmers or entrepreneurs, have instead chosen the path of least resistance. Unfortunately, this menace, once confined primarily to urban areas, has now spread to indigenous and rural areas.
In the countryside, where farming was once a way of life, many young people now prefer to migrate to cities in search of easier money. Those who remain are often lured into similar vices as their urban counterparts. Touting, land grabbing, and other non-productive activities that contribute little to the economy. This shift has exacerbated food shortages, as fewer people are willing to till the land and engage in agriculture, a sector that is crucial for the nation’s survival.
The result is a vicious cycle, as fewer people farm, food becomes scarcer and more expensive. This scarcity then feeds into the hunger crisis, leading to further desperation and the temptation to abandon farming for more immediate, albeit less sustainable, sources of income. It is a cycle that can only be broken by a collective effort from both the government and the citizens.
The government must do more to create an environment where agriculture can thrive, providing subsidies, improving infrastructure, and enacting policies that make farming a viable and attractive option. But citizens, too, must take responsibility. There needs to be a renewed focus on self-reliance, hard work, and the long-term benefits of sustainable agricultural practices. The land, rich and fertile, holds the key to ending the hunger cry. it is up to the people to unlock its potential.
Finally, the current hunger crisis is not just a government failure but a societal one. Both parties must recognize their roles in perpetuating this issue and work together to resolve it. While the government needs to address its shortcomings, citizens must also reject the allure of quick money and return to the fields, where true wealth and sustenance can be cultivated. Only then can the hunger cry be silenced, and the nation set on a path toward food security and prosperity.
‘Dayo Hassan writes from Ikorodu
