Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of three students from Nasarawa State University in Keffi, NSUK. The students lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a distribution of palliatives.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his social media page, Obi described the incident as a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by Nigerians. He expressed his dismay at the increasing levels of hunger in the country, emphasizing that such tragedies should not be happening in a nation as abundantly blessed as Nigeria.
“The frequency of heartbreaking events in our country is truly disheartening. It is with great sadness that I learned of the untimely deaths of students from Nasarawa State University in a stampede while trying to access food palliatives provided by the state government,” Obi lamented.
The former presidential candidate highlighted the paradox of hunger and poverty in a nation rich in both human and natural resources, with vast agricultural potential. He underscored the urgent need for government intervention to address food insecurity and shift the focus from consumption to production.
“It is unacceptable that in a country as endowed as Nigeria, our citizens are suffering from hunger and poverty. We must transition from a nation of consumers to one of producers to break the cycle of deprivation,” Obi asserted.
Calling for unity among Nigerians to confront the challenges plaguing the nation, Obi emphasized that hunger knows no boundaries of tribe or religion. He urged collective action to combat food insecurity and improve the well-being of all citizens.
“I urge our government to take decisive action to eradicate food insecurity and empower our people to thrive. It is time for us as Nigerians to come together, transcending tribal and religious divides, to overcome the obstacles before us. Hunger affects us all, and it is only through unity that we can build a brighter future for our nation,” Obi concluded.
As the nation mourns the loss of these promising young students, the call for effective measures to address food insecurity and promote sustainable development resonates across Nigeria. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to ensure a future where no citizen goes hungry in a land of plenty.
