20/05/2026
Poverty and hunger are the major drivers of insecurity in our country. When people and their families have nothing to eat, desperation can push them to make choices they would otherwise avoid.
Why do you think the first two United Nations Development Goals are “No Poverty” and “Zero Hunger,” followed by “Good Health” and “Quality Education.”? Yet, how close are we to achieving even a fraction of these in our own country?
The level of inequality is deeply troubling. Some live in comfort, driving luxury vehicles and sleeping in air-conditioned homes, while paying their gatekeepers and domestic workers barely enough to survive. These workers and their families often endure harsh conditions, sleeping in cramped spaces and battling mosquitoes night after night.
At a former workplace of mine, a bank, security guards earned around 30,000, while cleaners made between 20,000 and 27,000. These were individuals with families to support: spouses, children who needed education, food, and medical care. How were they expected to survive on such wages?
When people are pushed to the edge, they become vulnerable. The temptation to accept money in exchange for compromising their duties becomes harder to resist. Some have even lost children to preventable illnesses simply because they could not afford hospital care. In such circumstances, survival can overshadow loyalty or morality.
A society that fails to uphold the dignity of labour and the value of human life, where hunger and poverty are widespread, cannot hope to achieve true security.
When the average family struggles to afford a balanced diet, and basic proteins like eggs, meat, or fish are considered luxuries, the system is clearly failing.
What can 70,000 realistically provide for a man with a wife and four children? Can it cover nutritious meals, decent clothing, or proper healthcare? For many, the answer is no.
Even in 2026, access to clean, running water remains a challenge for countless households, many of which still depend on streams and dams. Some children grow up without ever experiencing electricity at home, yet their parents continue to participate in elections every four years.
When will these basic necessities become a reality for everyone?
Security measures alone, such as CCTV cameras or increased policing, cannot solve the problem. Hunger, one of the strongest human instincts, will always find a way around such barriers.
Our people are not inherently evil or wicked. We are, by nature, compassionate and supportive. Above all, people want to survive.
Addressing hunger and poverty would significantly reduce insecurity, perhaps by more than half. This responsibility lies heavily on those in leadership: state governors, council chairmen, and councillors. It is time to move beyond empty praise and take meaningful action.
Provide reliable electricity and clean water. Strengthen healthcare systems. Ensure doctors and nurses are available. Make medicines accessible. Pay workers fair wages.
And as citizens, before voting in the next election, we must ask our local leaders what concrete steps they will take to address these issues.
Written by Niran-Akinola
