President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the pressing challenges facing the country during his address at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit. Highlighting the critical need for immediate action, he lamented that Nigeria struggles to provide even basic necessities such as free food for schoolchildren, which is essential for their focus and academic success.
In a poignant statement, President Tinubu remarked, “We find ourselves in a situation where we cannot even ensure that our pupils receive free meals to enhance their attention in school. This is a stark reminder of the broader issues of poverty and hunger that plague our nation.” He emphasized that addressing these fundamental challenges is vital not only for the well-being of Nigerian children but also for the country’s future development.
The President’s remarks came as he endorsed the newly established Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative spearheaded by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Tinubu described this alliance as a significant milestone in global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, stating, “This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today.”
During his address, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies aimed at combatting hunger and poverty. He highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions and financial support to enhance efforts in these areas. “By collaborating with international partners, we aim to adopt best practices that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Nigerians,” he added.
Furthermore, President Tinubu called for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations Security Council to better reflect global diversity and ensure that Africa receives priority representation. He stated, “Africa deserves two permanent seats on the Security Council with equal rights and responsibilities. Nigeria stands ready to represent Africa in this capacity.”
The G20 summit provided a platform for leaders from around the world to reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on eradicating poverty and achieving zero hunger. Tinubu's participation underscores Nigeria's role as a key player in these global efforts.