Mrs Funmi Falana, SAN, the Chairperson of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), has called on governments at all levels to urgently address the pervasive issues of hunger and poverty in Nigeria. Speaking after her annual Christmas party for the children of Erelu Angela Adebayo Children’s Home in Iyin Ekiti, Mrs Falana described the recent stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja, which claimed lives, as tragic manifestations of the nation’s economic hardship.
According to Mrs Falana, these incidents serve as stark reminders of the desperation caused by the prevailing harsh economic realities. “Those who lost their lives were merely trying to collect ₦5,000—less than three American dollars,” she lamented, noting the ripple effects of extreme poverty in the country.
She urged the government to implement policies that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, while also advocating for the inclusion of special budgetary allocations for reputable orphanages in annual budgets. Mrs Falana emphasised that such funding would enhance the sustainable management of these homes and complement the contributions of well-meaning Nigerians.
“It is unacceptable that orphanages must solely rely on the goodwill of private citizens,” she said. “Every kobo in the government’s coffers is held in trust for all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable, and must be utilised for their welfare.”
At the Christmas party, Mrs Falana presented cash gifts, food items, soft drinks, and beverages to the children, reaffirming her dedication to their wellbeing. The Director of Child Development, Ekiti State Ministry of Women and Social Development, Mrs Bolanle Asubiojo, and the orphanage’s Matron, Mrs Modupe Ajayi, expressed deep appreciation for Mrs Falana’s unwavering support for over a decade.
In her remarks, Mrs Falana also called on the government to urgently address the spiralling cost of living, which has made essential food items such as rice and garri unaffordable for many Nigerians. “Women are crying, and children are weeping,” she noted. “Poverty is being weaponised in this country, and this trend must be reversed.”
Through WELA and her tireless advocacy, Mrs Funmi Falana remains a voice of hope, championing the rights of vulnerable Nigerians and advocating for impactful policy reforms.