“Hunger Doesn’t Take a Holiday” – ActionAid Slams Govt Over Rising Poverty

ActionAid Nigeria has called out Nigerian leaders for failing to address the growing poverty and hunger in the country, warning that millions of citizens are now “hungry, angry, and hopeless.”

Speaking on Symfoni TV, the new Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, stressed that “hunger doesn’t take a holiday,” and the poor cannot eat promises or reports.

Mamedu criticized the disconnect between government reports and the reality on the ground. “People don’t eat hope. People don’t eat expectations. People eat food. They drink water. They need electricity. They need shelter. They need healthcare. They need education,” he said, urging both federal and state governments to take real, measurable actions that directly impact lives.

He described the suffering in many communities across Nigeria as heartbreaking, noting that ordinary citizens no longer want long speeches or political blame games — they want results.

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“We must change the way we lead in this country. Nigerians are tired of stories. Nigerians are tired of seeing officials arrive in convoys to commission boreholes that don’t even last a year,” he added.

Mamedu challenged political leaders to be more accountable and practical in addressing citizens’ needs. He stressed that development must be about “impact, not fanfare.”

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He also spoke about the alarming increase in gender-based violence, urging urgent government action and community involvement to protect women and girls. “Our women are not safe. Our girls are not safe. And we cannot keep turning a blind eye,” he said.

ActionAid Nigeria, under Mamedu’s leadership, plans to continue supporting grassroots development, especially in underserved communities. He emphasized the group’s commitment to partnering with local groups, civil society organizations, and the media to push for justice, equity, and sustainable development.