Poverty of Hope in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural and human resources, yet it remains one of the poorest and most unequal nations in the world. According to the World Bank, more than 40% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, and the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. But beyond the material deprivation, there is another form of poverty that afflicts many Nigerians: the poverty of hope.

The poverty of hope is the lack of optimism, confidence and aspiration for a better future. It is the feeling of helplessness, frustration and despair that pervades the lives of millions of Nigerians who face daily challenges such as insecurity, corruption, poor governance, unemployment, poor education, poor health care, environmental degradation and social discrimination. The poverty of hope is the result of decades of failed policies, mismanagement, bad leadership and institutional decay that have eroded the trust and faith of the people in their government and society.

The poverty of hope is a serious threat to the development and stability of Nigeria. It undermines the social cohesion, civic engagement and human capital that are essential for economic growth and social progress. It fuels violence, crime, extremism and migration that destabilize the country and the region. It deprives Nigeria of its potential to become a prosperous and influential nation in Africa and the world.

The poverty of hope can be overcome, but it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders: the government, the private sector, the civil society, the media, the religious leaders, the traditional rulers, the youth and the citizens. It requires a vision of a new Nigeria that is inclusive, democratic, accountable, transparent, efficient, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of its people.

It requires a commitment to implement policies and programs that address the root causes of poverty and inequality, and that promote human development, social justice and environmental sustainability. It requires a culture of dialogue, tolerance, solidarity and peace that respects diversity and fosters unity. The poverty of hope is not inevitable. It can be changed. It must be changed. Nigeria deserves better. Nigerians deserve better.

The other day a man was saved from committing suicide when he attempted to jump off Falomo bridge in Lagos. The video went viral on social media. Many Nigerians are going through a lot of hardship this period. The economic realities have actually made millions of Nigerians indigent. Diaspora family members are largely the social security net for those with such privileges. Businesses are going down, new jobs are unavailable, some in employment are being laid off, income is dwindling, purchasing power of people is being stifled by the day, many have cut down and cut down on their lifestyle that malnutrition has become a survival option. Mental health of many is in steep decline.

Mid- to lower middle-class population has been pushed to the poverty line. These are the realities. Beyond these hardships Nigerians face, the most critical and damning is the poverty of hope. This is near-complete uncertainty of what tomorrow holds. Nothing reduces lifespans faster. Sadly, this is the most terrible epidemic presently in Nigeria. On September 23, Senator Dino Melaye shared a video of the State Government sharing of palliative in Kogi State on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. Octogenarians queued to collect a few cups of rice and a few Naira notes (likely N1000). Check the video, and you weigh your compassion.

The Nigerian leaders must not lose sight of the duty of Government, more than anything else, is to inspire hope, by providing clear, sincere and measurable road maps that can help people predict tomorrow. It is such hope that will console millions of Nigerians going through thick and thin to bear the economic vagaries of the present. It doesn’t seem the government is doing much about this, at least it is yet to be seen.

A video of the minister of FCT, the Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and Co. in the kitchen in Wike’s house was all over social media the other day. It is ok for Government officials to holiday and rest, and do what they love doing, but to show Nigerians, many of whom have not eaten, how you’re living the life in your expensive kitchen seem a bit insensitive. Beyond the Government, I really encourage Nigerians to look out for one another at this time – including those that you imagine are ok, for they may not really be ok.

This is not a time for the default quick ‘Hi’ greeting, no, try to stop by, take a handshake, look into the eyes and ask, “how are you doing?” Share the little you have with others. See if there is a child you notice around that has stopped schooling and consider assisting if you can. Pick up a habit of random charity – something for your estate gatekeepers as your drive in, something extra for your domestic staff, a can of water to a Nigerian Police (and others) officer on the road, etc. What is really nothing for you, could be life saving for another. Smile at people as much as possible. It is something to hope for.

Churches, it is important you reduce whatever form of financial demands you make on people, including payments you charge for facilities (like hall rentals, etc.), for your members. A simple appeal for support (while emphasizing that those who cannot afford should not worry), will do at this period. Help people not to feel guilty that they are not contributing as they would wish to. As much as possible, provide support for those in need. Remember how it was done during COVID! Many are in a worse state now than during COVID.

Law enforcement officers: Nigerian Police, FRSC Nigeria, Lastma, VIO, etc., please be kinder with people on the road. Motorists show humanity to officers on the road. Dear fellow Nigerians, let everybody look out for somebody, together we’ll pull through this tough period.