By Oboh Linus, Lafia
Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nasarawa State, under the auspices of the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION), has called on the Government at all levels to end hunger, social and institutional poverty in Nigeria.
Anna Envoh, Activista Assistant National Coordinator, made the call on the Occasion to commemorate World Food Day and the inauguration of MOTION in Lafia.
MOTION is a collective force of over 30 million Nigerians from mass democratic organisations, labour unions, pro-democracy movements, non-governmental organisations, academia, students’ unions, and climate action groups.
It is a movement of movements aimed at channelling the shared anger and frustration of Nigerians into purposeful actions through concerted and strategic efforts, engaging in citizen action to address ineffective leadership, institutional corruption, insecurity, and the pervasive culture of impunity.
According to the coordinator,
The two global events are not merely symbolic but remind people that hunger and poverty are intertwined struggles that demand urgent and collective action.
“This year’s theme, ‘Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,’ speaks to the power of unity. No nation can end hunger or poverty through government efforts alone.
“It requires the will of citizens, the voice of civil society, the innovation of the private sector, and the commitment of every community to build a fairer, more resilient Nigeria,” she stated.
Envoh said that statistics have shown that more than 139 million Nigerians are presently living below the poverty line, as food insecurity has become a daily reality for millions, and rural households spend as much as 70 percent of their income on food.
In states like Benue, Niger, and Plateau, which were once the pride of Nigeria’s agriculture, farmers now abandon their lands due to insecurity, flooding, and economic hardship.
“It is clear that hunger is not a lack of food, but a lack of justice, access, and opportunity. As Nigerian citizens, we believe in tackling the root causes of these crises. That is why today’s launch of MOTION is timely and necessary.
“This movement is not about rhetoric; it is about reawakening civic consciousness, demanding transparency, and building an accountable governance system that truly delivers for the people, especially those in rural communities who have long been left behind,” she said
She called on the Government to prioritise food and livelihood security through increased investment in climate-resilient, community-led agriculture.- Strengthen social protection systems that ensure no family is left hungry or impoverished.
Envoh urged the government to uphold fiscal transparency and empower citizens, civil society, and the media to monitor budgets and track public spending, protect farmers and rural women whose hands feed the nation but whose voices were too often silenced by insecurity and neglect.
“As we reflect on this year’s twin themes—ending poverty and ensuring a food-secure future, let us remember that statistics represent lives, not numbers.
Behind every figure is a child who goes to bed hungry, a mother choosing between food and medicine, and a farmer losing hope in the land he once trusted.
“Let this gathering rekindle our collective resolve: to build a Nigeria where poverty is no longer inherited, where every home has food on the table, and where every citizen lives with dignity,” she emphasised.
Emmanuel Envoh-Okolo, Executive Director, Beacon Youth Initiative, said the campaign was timely, given the prevailing food insecurity across Nigeria, and called on policymakers to improve policies and programmes to strengthen food security.
Envorh Augustina, from Girls Get Equal, Nasarawa State, said that she supported the movement to lend her voice against hunger and food insecurity in the country, and urged the government to evolve policies to address the situation.
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