Dr. Ene Ogbole, the convener of the North-Central Agenda, has expressed serious concerns regarding the alarming forecast that 35 million Nigerians may confront hunger. She called on the Federal Government to take urgent and effective action, emphasizing the need for sustainable domestic solutions given the decreasing international aid.
In an interview with ARISE News on Sunday, Dr. Ogbole emphasized the gravity of the impending food crisis, which requires prompt attention, particularly due to the declining reliability of global humanitarian assistance.
"The figure of 35 million people potentially facing hunger is indeed alarming and distressing. It highlights the need for immediate solutions," she stated.
"However, there is a positive aspect: every problem has a solution. We must begin to focus on internal solutions, recognizing that foreign aid will not be as forthcoming as before due to clear reasons," she added.
Dr. Ogbole pointed out that the global humanitarian system itself is under immense pressure, with donor fatigue becoming evident after many years of ongoing crises.
"The world is currently grappling with numerous challenges, and as mentioned, prolonged crises have made it difficult for donors to maintain their support, which is understandable," she remarked.
Dr. Ogbole stressed the necessity for Nigeria to devise home-grown strategies to combat food insecurity instead of relying primarily on external help.
"When external solutions fail, we must turn inward. It's essential to find local answers to the issues we face—developing African solutions for African problems," she noted.
She asserted that the government needs to make concerted efforts to identify what can be done to address these challenges effectively.
"Food security is not a matter of charity but rather a constitutional obligation of the state. All Nigerians are entitled to a decent standard of living, which includes access to food, education, and security," she said.
Dr. Ogbole also addressed the pressing issue of insecurity, stating that it is a significant contributor to hunger and displacement, particularly affecting the North-East region.
"We must confront the root causes of these problems, with insecurity being at the forefront. It has particularly devastated the North-East," she explained.
She elaborated that restoring security is vital for allowing farmers to return to their lands and pursue economic activities once again.
"If we can mitigate insecurity and effectively deal with insurgency, people will be able to go back to their farms and lead harmonious lives, resuming their normal business activities. This will considerably improve the situation," she remarked.
Despite acknowledging the ongoing security issues, Dr. Ogbole noted that the government's efforts in collaboration with security agencies are beginning to yield positive outcomes.
"The government must exert every effort within legal bounds to restore security promptly. I assure you they are making significant strides in degrading insecurity. Many insurgents are being neutralized, and hope is gradually returning," she stated.
She emphasized that once people feel safe, food production will experience a resurgence.
"When people believe that their lives are secure—knowing they can farm without threat or fear—this crisis will likely diminish," she asserted.
Dr. Ogbole also underscored that most Nigerians prefer the ability to sustain themselves over continual reliance on food aid.
"No one aims to be a perpetual recipient of aid. Everyone wants a source of income," she stated, adding that a halt in economic activity can lead to emotional and psychological distress.
Highlighting that insecurity is not confined to one area, she insisted on a collective effort towards creating solutions.
"This is not solely a North-East issue; the entire country faces insecurity and crisis. We must find proactive ways to address this issue instead of merely sitting back and complaining about the government’s efforts," she remarked.
Dr. Ogbole called on communities to support government initiatives, sharing examples where collective community action has proven effective in combating insurgents.
"Our security forces cannot be omnipresent. In some regions, communities have recognized the imminent threat and asked, 'What can we do to safeguard our farms and our lives?'" she noted.
She mentioned that such local initiatives have been successful in several states, leading to a return to farming.
"For instance, there is an abundance of food in Benue State because residents have managed to secure their farms through cooperative measures that produced notable results," she explained.
Responding to concerns on inflation, rising food prices, and funding shortages pointed out by the World Food Programme, Dr. Ogbole remarked that crises are an inescapable part of life and must be handled wisely.
"There will always be challenges—famine, insecurity, and various social issues. It’s essential to identify the most pressing problems and develop sustainable responses to them," she remarked.
She reiterated that the global crisis underscores the importance of Nigeria becoming more self-sufficient.
"If organizations like the World Bank are declaring they lack the resources to assist, it reflects a broader global crisis, not just a localized issue, especially in the North-East," she stated.
In conclusion, she urged both the citizenry and the government to focus on action rather than mere complaints.
"We must transcend discussions centered on grievances and start implementing enduring, impactful solutions to our challenges," she urged.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!