Group urges Tinubu to tackle hunger, disease, insecurity

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has expressed condolences to the families of victims of recent stampedes during food distribution exercises in Oyo, Anambra States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, described the incidents as national tragedies and called for proactive measures to prevent future occurrences.

“We share the grief of the families who lost their loved ones at the distribution venues and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” Shinkafi said.

“The tragedies during this festive season underscore the urgent need for security agents to ensure public safety at palliative distribution centers.”

The stampedes, which occurred during efforts to alleviate hunger, have sparked concerns about food insecurity in Nigeria.

Shinkafi emphasized that with over 36 million hectares of arable land, the country should not face food shortages, hunger, or starvation.

He urged the government to prioritize agriculture as a means of combating poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, aligning with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of citizens are the primary responsibilities of government.

“The deaths from these stampedes have exposed the acute hunger and starvation in the country,” he said. “It is imperative for governments at all levels to address food insecurity and improve citizens’ living standards.”

Shinkafi called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in food production and allocate sufficient funds to agriculture in the 2025 budget.

He also advocated for the recruitment of agricultural extension workers, provision of affordable credit schemes for farmers, and the deployment of modern farming machinery to boost productivity.

Additionally, he highlighted the need for social amenities, particularly access roads, to ensure efficient transportation of farm produce and curb inflation, which has reached 34.6%, the highest in three decades.

“As we approach the new year, it is time to take governance seriously and deliver the dividends of democracy to alleviate citizens’ suffering,” Shinkafi concluded.

The recent tragedies have intensified calls for swift and sustained government intervention to address Nigeria’s food insecurity and improve the living conditions of its citizens.