The Apena of Egbaland and Oluwo of Iporo-Ake, Chief Alani Bankole, has said only lazy people are hungry in Nigeria, insisting there are enough opportunities to make money.
Speaking on Wednesday, the 85-year-old blamed parents and the system for encouraging laziness among youths.
“There are too many opportunities in Nigeria for us not to be hungry. Most people who are hungry today are lazy people,” he said.
Bankole urged parents to expose children to productive activities and teach them the dignity of labour instead of pampering them.
“Teach people how to make money, don’t give them money. Salary jobs are only meant to eat. When you learn how to create wealth, you become rich,” he said.
He blamed the system for the country’s problems, saying the British handed over a faulty system that Nigerians have continued to use to oppress others.
“The system has encouraged a lot of nonsense. The system is responsible for our everyday calamity. Is it Tinubu that will go and farm for you?” he queried.
Bankole also criticised the practice of presidents and governors selecting aides from every state or constituency rather than choosing based on merit.
“You can only give what you have,” he said.
Asked to advise politicians ahead of the 2027 elections, Bankole declined, saying he is not used to today’s politics.
“No, I can’t advise them because I’m not used to this type of politics. When we were in politics, you couldn’t find me in any township at this time. I would take my campaign to rural and border areas.
“But today, you don’t see politicians go to anybody. I don’t know how they do it. They are practising a type of politics which I’m not used to, which I don’t know about. So that’s why I cannot, because when I was growing up, I didn’t go through this nonsense,” he stated.
