By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Phyna, a reality TV star and actress, has spoken out about the widespread hunger and hardship in Nigeria due to the increasing cost of living.
She emphasized that the hunger Nigerians face extends beyond mere food scarcity to a profound sense of hopelessness.
Phyna lamented that despite the overwhelming struggles, many Nigerians have chosen to endure in silence rather than demand meaningful change.
In a video message shared on her social media page, she stated, “The hunger, the hardship ravaging our beloved nation is an issue that strikes deep into the core of every Nigerian young and old, rich and poor.”
She highlighted that the hunger experienced by Nigerians is not solely about food absence but also about the absence of hope. Phyna explained that hunger affects not only individuals but also families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
“For many of us, the story of hunger is not just about a meal that is missed but about a life that’s interrupted, about children who should be in school but are instead searching for food. It’s about parents who go to bed with empty stomachs unsure of where their next meal will come from,” she said.
Phyna noted that the growing inequality between the rich and the poor increases the hunger crisis, making it an issue of dignity, survival, and humanity. “The lines of inequality grow longer and divide between the rich and the poor as never seen wider. For so many of us, hunger is not only just an issue of scarcity. But one of dignity, survival and humanity itself,” he said.
She questioned the lack of collective action and unity among Nigerians in addressing the hunger crisis, emphasizing the need for a unified voice to speak for the voiceless.
She said, “Despite this growing crisis, what do we see? Where is the collective voice that should speak for the voiceless? The silent majority who are battling not only to survive but to live with dignity, where is the unity that should bind us together as one nation?”
Phyna urged Nigerians to put aside their differences and work together to address the hunger crisis, demanding accountability from leaders and a commitment to ensuring food security and dignity for all. “The truth is, hunger is not a distant problem. It’s right here with us. It’s in every home, community and every heartbeat of a Nigerian citizen. But we cannot fight this battle individually. We need to come together as one nation.”
She also said, “We need to put aside our differences and focus on what truly matters; the wellbeing of every Nigerian. We must demand accountability from our leaders. Not just in words but in action. We need a commitment to ensure that every Nigerian from the rural areas to the urban areas have access to food security and a dignified life.”
Phyna concluded that achieving food security is a collective responsibility, requiring the efforts of both citizens and leaders.
She emphasized that moving the country towards food security is not solely the government’s responsibility but also that of every citizen.
