Eight million go to bed hungry in the world. Five million of them are children. These figures are appalling, but woefully under-estimated in our opinion. How many of these are in Nigeria?
How many are in Imo state? How many die of hunger? Can we take the trouble to find out? It is high time we addressed the challenge. If we check the figures locally [which we must do], it will move us to tears and to action.
Unfortunately, this is a challenge we don't know from where to tackle. Though the statistics are blood-chilling, it is useless to, any, blame just anyone or anything for it.
Who can bring a decisive solution to it? We would prefer eradicating it. On this score, let all men know how empty and worthless the power of kings is, in looking at the predicaments of fellow human beings supposed to be under their care.
Nigeria can be proud of being the biggest country in Africa. But it can never be proud of the size of its hungry population. This is something to be ashamed of.
When a problem is so daunting, it is normal to totally neglect it. To appear to be doing something about it, it is turned into a blame game. The buck is tossed up and down and passed from person to person; institution to institution. It doesn't stop anywhere.
On this question, our country can be said to be leaderless, because there is nobody to complaint to about hunger. Those who find something to eat, eat junk food without nutrition. It has generally been accepted that quality of life in Nigeria does not have to be good and the people in authority don't have to be bothered or be called to question about it. There is no instrument for doing so.
Unfortunately, this is a challenge we don't know from where to tackle. Though the statistics are blood-chilling, it is useless to, any, blame just anyone or anything for it.
Who can bring a decisive solution to it? We would prefer eradicating it. On this score, let all men know how empty and worthless the power of kings is, in looking at the predicaments of fellow human beings supposed to be under their care.
Nigeria can be proud of being the biggest country in Africa. But it can never be proud of the size of its hungry population. This is something to be ashamed of.
When a problem is so daunting, it is normal to totally neglect it. To appear to be doing something about it, it is turned into a blame game. The buck is tossed up and down and passed from person to person; institution to institution. It doesn't stop anywhere.
On this question, our country can be said to be leaderless, because there is nobody to complaint to about hunger. Those who find something to eat, eat junk food without nutrition. It has generally been accepted that quality of life in Nigeria does not have to be good and the people in authority don't have to be bothered or be called to question about it. There is no instrument for doing so.
There should be laws to stop hunger being the people's permanent dilemma and jeopardy. Welfare mechanisms should be in place for enabling people have something to eat and avoid them being hungry under any circumstance.
This should take special care of children who are vulnerable and helpless. But all who go hungry cannot be allowed to continue to starve without hope for succor. The Nigerian state must take responsibility for it.
(c) Christian voice newspaper
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