Nigeria Has Jobs, Hunger Is for Those Who Refuse to Work, Says Chief

(Chief Alani Bankole. Photo by Daily Post)

An 85-year-old traditional leader has blamed laziness and failed parenting for hunger in Nigeria, arguing that the country brims with chances for anyone willing to work.

Chief Alani Bankole, the Apena of Egbaland, said on Wednesday that people without money are choosing not to hustle rather than lacking options.

Bankole said the system and parents have conspired to kill the work ethic in young people

. Instead of teaching children to build wealth, families pamper them and wait for government to provide.

He stressed teaching people how to create money rather than handing them cash, noting that salary jobs only feed bellies while genuine wealth comes from building something of your own.

The chief recalled that his generation balanced school with practical work, gaining both education and skills.

He said youngsters today lack this exposure and discipline.

Biblical teaching is clear, he added those who do not work should not eat.

Yet Bankole acknowledged the system itself bears heavy blame for Nigeria's troubles.

The British left behind a faulty structure that Nigerians have used to oppress one another ever since.

He criticised a governance model forcing presidents and governors to appoint aides from every state and district based on politics rather than merit, making it impossible to build strong teams.

The former ANPP chairman and father of ex-House Speaker Dimeji Bankole said real change requires deeper conversation about the country's underlying structures.

Simply swapping one administration for another won't fix anything if the system stays the same.

Leadership quality depends on the structures and resources available to those governing, he argued.

When asked to advise politicians ahead of 2027 elections, Bankole declined, saying he has retired from modern politics which he does not recognise or understand.