In a recent statement, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has made an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on hunger and starvation in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye expressed grave concerns about the situation facing many Nigerians.
He noted that the harsh economic conditions were making it difficult for many households to have three square meals a day.
Oyintiloye highlighted the need for the government to implement a price control mechanism to curb the sharp practices by traders in the market.
He also warned about the United Nations' prediction that 82 million Nigerians, about 64 percent of the population, might go hungry by 2030 if the current situation persists.
He referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing that the food inflation rate in May had reached a record high of 40.66 percent, surpassing April's 40.53 percent increase.
He blamed corruption and the overdependence on crude oil revenue sharing for hindering economic productivity and self-sufficiency.
Oyintiloye acknowledged the president's efforts through various intervention programs but stated that these interventions had not significantly alleviated the situation.
"Nigerians are hungry and living below the poverty line. I want to urge the president to, as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency on hunger, starvation, and poverty in the country. Hunger is a threat to national peace, and that is why the president must act very fast," Oyintiloye stated.
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