INTERNATIONAL MULTIPLE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, IBITOLA OJOYE-ADEBAYO GRACES THE COVER OF FIESTA INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

BOSE SHAFE COLUMN---THE EFFECT OF POVERTY IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Bose Shafe

Hello Peeps, 

Yes, we all know poverty is a worldwide catastrophe, but Nigeria is the 20^th poorest country in the world, rich in natural resources yet Nigeria has reached a stage where 70% of its population still lives in abject poverty.....

Let me break it down this way. The minimum wage is 18.000 Naira, 20litres of fuel in your car,10litres for your generator, at 145 Naira per litre for 30days, sums up to 130,500 Naira. When you include sundry expenses, electricity, accommodation, feeding etc. 

Please tell me at the end of the month, how does it add up???????? Lets stop fooling ourselves!

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, poverty has risen in Nigeria with almost 1million  people living on less than a $1 a day.

In 2004 statistics showed that 54.7% of Nigerians are living in poverty. Now in 2016 statistics shows that it has increased to 60.9%. This is quite sad indeed!!!!!!!

Note that poverty gives birth to prostitution, armed robbery insurgency, which causes menace to the society, and so many more.

WHAT'S THE WAY FORWARD?

We have to start with development which simply means making people to  realise their potential and putting them into action in improving the nation and oneself.

If hard work  and LAZY INDIVIDUALS develop lazy nations therefore creating under developed societies. Development is defined as fulfilment of necessary conditions for the realisation of the potential of human personalities which transforms  in the reduction of poverty , inequality,unemployment,and provision of basic needs such as education, food, housing and general quality of life. Development is a complex phenomenon that involves several aspects of life from agriculture to power to industries  to education etc.

SOLUTION.

You and I and can help by touching lives and eradicating poverty in the minimal way we can. If it is your gateman that has four kids in their rural school help pay for one of the kids school fees.If it is the old lady you buy stuffs from that is ill, assist in any little way u can to pay for the hospital bill, create little empowerment opportunity for people around you that are less privelledged , give them skill acquisition and constant mentorship, which  can help go a long way. Remember waiting for government empowerment programmes  that doesn’t last in a non stable economy can never help.

We should learn to be our brothers' keeper and love one another. Till next time peeps, it's me your pal, your sister, your friend, Bose Shafe!!!!!!!!!!!! Bye........!