Forgive Me, This Is the First Time I’m Crying With My Own Tears-Emotional Obasanjo Talks on Poverty
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a heartfelt warning about the worsening hardship facing millions of Nigerians, describing the current state of hunger and poverty as a humanitarian crisis. Speaking with visible emotion, Obasanjo expressed deep sorrow over the increasing number of citizens who struggle daily for survival, stating that the situation has reached a point where it threatens basic human dignity.
He noted that this was the first time he had been moved to tears over the suffering of the people, underlining how urgent and painful the reality has become. According to him, the challenge has moved beyond economic hardship to a critical issue of survival, especially in communities where people are unsure of their next meal.
Obasanjo stressed the need to understand the difference between relative poverty and absolute hunger. He explained that while someone may lack wealth, it is hunger that strips a person of strength and hope. Drawing from his personal experiences, he recalled growing up in a modest village where, despite limited means, food was never lacking. He contrasted that time with the present, where many Nigerians go to bed hungry and wake up uncertain of what they will eat.
He attributed the deepening crisis to the unjust distribution and exploitation of natural resources. Obasanjo argued that while the world has enough to meet everyone’s needs, mismanagement and inequality have made hunger a persistent problem. He emphasized that solving such issues requires a thorough understanding of their roots and consequences.
Obasanjo further highlighted education as a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. He called for leaders with integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to collective progress, urging Nigerians to embrace values that uplift entire communities. He concluded by affirming that every individual holds the potential to drive change when given the right opportunities.