“Hunger is driving bad governance choices” — Bishop Fagbohun faults Ekiti leadership, launches food bank to counter vote-buying

Bishop Oluwaseun Fagbohun has taken a critical swipe at the socio-economic realities in Ekiti State, declaring that worsening hunger and economic hardship are quietly undermining democratic integrity, as he unveiled a humanitarian “Food Bank” initiative in Ado Ekiti.

Speaking during a press conference at the Ado Ekiti Bus Terminal, the cleric did not mince words in his assessment of the state’s condition, arguing that the prevailing hardship contradicts official narratives of progress often projected by political actors. According to him, the rising cost of living and deepening poverty have created a vulnerable population susceptible to inducement, especially as the governorship election approaches.

The Food Bank, launched under the TOCIMS Food Bank and Charity Store, is positioned not merely as a welfare intervention but as a strategic response to what Fagbohun described as “structural neglect and economic insensitivity.”

“This is not just about food,” he stated firmly. “It is about confronting a system where hunger has become a political tool. When people are hungry, they are easily manipulated. You cannot preach electoral integrity to a starving population.”

He described the initiative as a comprehensive “solution centre,” designed to address both immediate and long-term needs of residents. Beyond food distribution, the centre will provide counselling services, scholarships, healthcare support, financial assistance, microfinance access, spiritual guidance, and marital counselling.

“Food here is symbolic,” Fagbohun explained. “For some, it is a meal. For others, it is school fees, hospital bills, or capital to restart a small business. What we are building is dignity restoration.”

The programme operates a structured “banking model,” where both beneficiaries and donors are registered, and assistance is disbursed based on verified needs. The bishop emphasized that strict protocols have been put in place to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation of the system.

Backed by the Old Catholic International Missionary Society of St. Christopher and the Caritas Sustainable Development Foundation, the initiative has attracted partnerships from both local and international organizations, including OCAC College Abuja, Kafon Microfinance Bank, Queen Elizabeth College of Health Sciences, and the Old Catholic Apostolic Church in Nigeria, alongside contributors from the UK, Canada, and Japan.

Fagbohun revealed that the initiative is designed for scale, with plans to extend operations to all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, and eventually to the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, and Benue States.

However, beyond the humanitarian angle, the bishop’s message carried a strong political undertone. With less than two months to the governorship election, he warned that failure to address hunger would continue to distort the electoral process.

“Let’s be honest — vote-buying thrives where hunger exists,” he said. “If we truly want credible elections, then we must first deal with the economic realities of the people. When basic needs are met, citizens can vote based on conviction, not survival.”

He also called out what he described as a disconnect between government rhetoric and lived realities, pointing to inflation and economic strain as evidence that many residents are struggling despite claims of progress.

In clarifying the operational framework, Fagbohun noted that TOCIMS does not function as a financial institution but as a facilitator, linking individuals to credible support systems through partner organizations. He cited collaborations with financial institutions, including community banks, where qualified beneficiaries can access funding—sometimes running into millions of naira—after due assessment.

The bishop concluded with an open call for collaboration, urging government agencies, private organizations, and development partners to align efforts toward alleviating hardship in the state.

“We are not competing with anyone,” he said. “We are here to partner for impact. Any initiative that uplifts the people, we are ready to support. The goal is simple — restore dignity, reduce hunger, and empower citizens to make better choices.”

In a political climate increasingly shaped by economic pressures, Fagbohun’s intervention signals a growing push from civil and faith-based actors to redefine the intersection between welfare and democratic accountability in Ekiti State.