15th of April, 2026

Gift and Its Side Effects: How Representation Can Reduce Citizens to Dependency

Recent discussions and studies on why Nigerians continue to die in poverty reveal that both elected and appointed public office holders have contributed significantly to the nation’s socioeconomic setbacks. Human nature tends to prefer free gifts over hard work, and unfortunately, this tendency has been exploited. Over time, a culture of dependency has been encouraged, deliberately or otherwise, keeping many citizens below the poverty line so that they value handouts more than productivity and the dignity of labor.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari once stated at a United Nations summit that Nigerian youths are lazy. This remark generated widespread debate and criticism across the country. However, the underlying truth remains that government policies and failures play a major role in shaping youth productivity. When a government fails to provide a conducive environment for growth, innovation, and employment, it inevitably weakens the morale and motivation of its youth.

Against this background, Engr. Lukman Ayodeji Bello, a native of Iwo Town in Osun State, offers a different perspective shaped by experience. Born and raised in Iwo, he completed his early and tertiary education in Nigeria before proceeding to the United States of America for further studies. Having lived and worked in both environments, he has critically examined the differences, identified the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges, and reflected on practical solutions that can help bridge the gap between Nigeria and more developed societies.

Engr. Bello believes that meaningful change must start somewhere. This conviction explains his focus on grassroots engagement beginning from his constituency where impact is most direct and visible. His goal is to serve as a role model, proving that effective leadership at the local level can inspire broader national transformation. He strongly maintains that Nigerian youths are not lazy; rather, there are insufficient structures and opportunities to support their survival, creativity, and productivity.
Addressing this gap is central to his vision of reducing, and ultimately eradicating, poverty by the grace of God.

He therefore appeals to the people of Iwo Federal Constituency (Ayiwola) to unite and take this bold step together. The mission is to lift the constituency out of poverty, ensure that the average citizen lives with dignity, and narrow the gap between the rich and the poor so that earning through work is cherished more than constant dependence on gifts, except in moments of genuine goodwill and celebration.

As the journey toward 2027 begins with the selection of party flag bearers, Engr. Lukman Ayodeji Bello stands out for his well-known compassion and generosity. Long before seeking public office, he has supported countless individuals from his personal resources. His long-standing initiatives including international tertiary institution sponsorships, artisan empowerment programs, and JAMB support for O’Level students have been sustained for nearly a decade across the Ayiwola Constituency.

Giving him the opportunity to serve will further empower him to expand and institutionalize these programs, driving poverty reduction toward lasting eradication in our communities

~ HDBMC