Brighten the corner where you are (1)

Biannually and consistently for years, my family has taken trips to Nigeria on a mission to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and give out of the little we possess to lift somebody up from despair. This family gesture has been both spiritually fulfilling and emotionally rewarding. Although we do not have the privilege of sitting on beaucoup gold or plenteous diamond, our determination has simply been resolute to help the handful few who cannot help themselves in today’s Nigeria.

It is true that there are very many Nigerians with good hearts all around the world who also lend helping hands toward the poor. If you are reading this and you are numbered among them, we salute you. If you are still sitting on the fence, not sure what to do amidst much pain that has pervaded our country because of hunger, I urge you to look around and help somebody. Times are tough around the globe, especially in Nigeria. So, brighten the corner where you are.

Each time my family makes it home on a mission trip; I get new insight into the fierceness and boisterousness of the sirocco of hunger and poverty. There is palpable emotional tension all over the place.  The story of one of millions of Nigerians who are bitten by the serpent of hunger and poverty is that of an elderly man called Sunday Eze. Papa Eze is in his 70s. He was one out of about two thousand people who showed up in one of our mission activities some time ago. He came to the table to receive a package of food and clothes we had set aside for attendees with needs. Papa Eze was not registered as required by the organising committee and registration had closed. His eyes were dripping with a few tears when he was told he came too late. It was tough for me to watch an elderly man, (or anyone at all) cry because they have no access to food. I pulled Papa to the side and asked what was amiss.

“I never chop today. I dey very hungry…My name is Sunday Eze…”

It was 2pm, and this man had not eaten even a piece of crumbled cookies. He muttered and mumbled incoherently. It was obvious he was battling other emotional troubles. The human brain truly is the most complex organ within our bodies. It is the producer of every thought, action, feeling and experience. Nourishing the brain regularly with food is essential to human existence. Psychiatric disorder is a comorbid medical condition associated with a brain denied nourishing food.  I broke the rules we set up and handed Papa Eze a package of food and clothing. But I felt that was not enough. I then gave him a few cash I believed could last him for a month or so.

Papa Eze’s story is one among millions in a country with wealthy people, prosperous politicians, and jet-riding businessmen. For the old and young, nobody should go to bed or wake up hungry in Nigeria. But unfortunately, millions do. Inside of many mansions and little huts dwells hunger. A lot of empty stomachs and repackaged poverty are everywhere. Poverty is real. It’s on the streets in cities and lurking around dusty raggedy roads in villages. It’s everywhere where stupendous wealth also lives. Many mansions are now empty because poverty has gained easy access even into the abodes of mighty men. That a man lives in a multimillion naira home he built years ago and a woman dresses elegantly well and sounds smart as she communicates does not mean they are eating in plenty and satisfied. Poverty is a principality with a fertile womb giving birth to meaner principalities.

But why this much poverty and hunger? The fundamentals of Nigeria’s economy are weak. Persistent inflation reached a 17-year high of 25.8 per cent in August 2023. Growth is sluggish, and this alone has driven millions of Nigerians into the Gehenna of poverty. Worldwide gross domestic product in 2023 was at about $13,138.33 per capita. GDP in Nigeria, on the other hand, reached $2,460 per capita, or $362.81 billion for the whole country. Nigeria is therefore currently ranked 31 among the major economies. Inflation in 2022 was around 18.85 per cent. As of November 2023, it was 28.9 per cent; but today it is 34.19 per cent, a 28-year high.

Food and energy costs were the main drivers of the price increase. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s food inflation hit 40.7 per cent in June. The hit has pushed the affordability of staple foods for ordinary Nigerians beyond attainment. Transport and other amenities are increasingly out of reach for Nigerians. If you know anyone working with any government in Nigeria, ask them to break it all down. Then you will agree with me that there is no realistic good life any worker can live with even a N70,000 minimum wage. What would that purchase in an economy that’s always ravaged by corruption and wastage at a frenetic level?

Between 1981 and 2010, China pulled 680 million people out of misery and reduced the extreme poverty rate from 84 per cent in 1980 to 10 per cent now. If China could do it, why can’t Nigeria? Aside from corporate government intervention, how do we truly pull people out of the misery of hunger and poverty? I have the answer: Brighten the corner where you are!

No matter your position or circumstances, you have the power to make a positive impact on lives that seem hopeless. The perfect opportunity to help may never come, so start where you are. Don’t wait for that perfect time or until you’re in a different situation. Begin making a difference right where you are, and small actions add up. Brightening your corner doesn’t require grand gestures. Small acts of kindness and compassion can collectively create a significant widespread impact.

Whether it’s your family, workplace, community, or social circle, focus on your sphere and concentrate on the area around you. Make a positive difference in the lives of those nearby. Be that light that many around you seek its illuminating power. Shine your light, share your love, and spread hope. Your presence can illuminate the space around you, making it a brighter and more welcoming place. Remember, brightening the corner where you are is a mindset and a choice. By doing so, you can create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond your immediate surroundings.

To be continued

x-@FolaOjotweet