The Apena of Egbaland and Oluwo of Iporo-Ake, Chief Alani Bankole, has stirred reactions with his views on poverty in Nigeria. The 85-year-old traditional leader said Nigeria has enough opportunities for people to make money.
Speaking on Wednesday, Bankole blamed laziness, poor parenting and the system for youth unemployment and hardship. According to him, many hungry Nigerians simply need to become more productive.
“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 also urged parents to teach their children the value of hard work. He advised parents to expose their children to productive activities instead of pampering them.
“Teach people how to make money, don’t give them money,” he said.
He added,
“Salary jobs are only meant to eat. When you learn how to create wealth, you become rich.”
Meanwhile, Bankole blamed Nigeria’s system for many of the country’s problems. He said the British colonial system created flaws that Nigerians still use today. According to him, those flaws have contributed to oppression and hardship. He also questioned the belief that political leaders should solve every personal economic problem.
“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 asked.
Bankole also criticised political appointments based on states or constituencies instead of merit.Speaking about the 2027 elections, Bankole declined to advise politicians. He said today’s political system differs from what he knew in the past.
“I’m not used to this type of politics,” he said.
Alani Bankole recalled taking his campaigns to rural and border communities. He said politicians now rarely connect directly with ordinary people.
“They are practising a type of politics which I’m not used to, which I don’t know about,” he added.
He concluded that he could not advise politicians because he did not understand the current style of politics.
