The Director-General of Care and Compassion Network (CCN), Waliyulah Olayiwola, has expressed disappointment over the Nigerian government’s inability to meet even the most basic needs of the people.
The DG of the non-governmental organisation, said there is prevalence of poverty in the country, adding that the sufferings of the masses only seem to be increasing on a daily basis despite the existence of government both at federal and state levels in the country.
Olayiwola who stated this while reeling out achievements of the NGO in the last six months, lamented that in the country, many people cannot afford to meet their needs because everything is seemingly beyond the reach of the common man.
He said: “It hurts me to see poverty in the land. Our people are suffering. Inflation has affected many people. Few have a job paying them a meager salary. Unfortunately, these little salaries have not grown up to the price of commodities that have skyrocketed. We have to change this.”
He said that the alarm indices informed the decision of the network to reach out to those in need in the society, noting that “we have to step in and assist in any way we can. Nigerians are suffering."
He added that “basic amenities are no longer basic. Water should be the least of people’s worries. I am pained to see that many communities lack potable water. Many of them drink dirty water giving them sickness. We have to align our goals with that of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and embark on water projects for rural communities in Nigeria.
“Very few people know the opportunity that they can get in the online world by having digital skills like writing. We have to alleviate poverty in the land by training the populace to embrace digital skills.”
Meanwhile, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, said he's not sure Buhari is aware of the true condition and sufferings of poor Nigerians, and blamed the President's aides for not being honest with the President.
He said it is the responsibility of presidential advisers, notably, Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina who relate to the public, to tell Buhari the condition and wellbeing of the poor masses.
“We are hoping the presidential aides would continue to advise the president on the condition and wellbeing of the poor masses, especially in those aspects where he would need to be informed on certain development for necessary action. This is a responsibility upon us which we need to discharge accordingly.
“We are calling on the president to look into various sectors of life and find ways of ameliorating the sufferings and hardships faced by the masses especially in the areas of security, economy especially food and commodities," he said.