The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola, has sharply criticized the Federal Government’s approach to addressing hunger in Nigeria. Speaking at his university on Wednesday, Babalola claimed that the government’s palliatives, which include distributions of basic food items, are only making Nigerians dependent on handouts and worsening their poverty.
Babalola’s comments came during a visit from the Prestige Sisters League, a group that benefited from a small financial aid from him 35 years ago. The legal scholar and educationist said the current palliatives policy, which involves giving out items like garri (cassava flakes), beans, and rice, is inadequate and does not address the root causes of hunger in the country.
“The government is turning people into beggars by distributing these palliatives,” Babalola said. “Instead of helping people become self-sufficient, these measures are encouraging dependence. The real issue is that people are suffering because they cannot farm or work safely due to security concerns. The government is not doing enough to provide a safe environment where people can work and sustain themselves.”
Babalola further criticized the government for failing to address the broader problems of insecurity and poor infrastructure that contribute to hunger. He pointed out that many farmers are forced to abandon their farms due to threats from bandits and other criminal elements. As a result, there is a shortage of food and increased poverty.
His comments come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with economic hardships and rising prices. Protests and demonstrations have been common as citizens express their frustration with the current economic conditions. Babalola supported these protests, stating that they are a genuine reflection of the people’s hunger and dissatisfaction.
“The protests against hunger are real,” he said. “People are hungry, and they are showing their frustration. The government needs to listen to their cries and address the root causes of this hunger.”
In addition to his criticism of the palliative measures, Babalola expressed his support for a recent appeal made by The Patriots, a group led by former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku. The Patriots have urged President Bola Tinubu to consider enacting a new constitution to better address the country’s problems.
Babalola agreed with The Patriots on the need for a new constitution but disagreed with the idea of holding a constitutional conference. He believes that changes can be made without convening such a forum.
“We need a new constitution to reflect the current realities of Nigeria,” he said. “However, I do not think a constitutional conference is necessary. There are other ways to achieve the needed reforms.”
During the same visit, Babalola praised the Prestige Sisters League for their success. He remembered giving them a modest sum of N1,000 decades ago, which they used to build a successful cooperative society. Babalola expressed his admiration for their achievements, highlighting their ability to send their children to school and contribute positively to their communities.
The Prestige Sisters League, led by President Adeboyejo B.O., acknowledged Babalola’s early support and credited it with significantly transforming their lives. They expressed gratitude for his continued support and praised his role in helping them achieve their goals.