Helping others during this difficult period of food insecurity
Dr. Lanre Towry-Coker, FRIBA, FNIA, MA Law (UL), Ph.D, a former commissioner for housing in Lagos State, with a doctorate from Lagos State University, is founder of Towry-Coker Associates since 1976, and a professional architect with a postgraduate qualification in Architecture from the University of North East London. He had his professional training at the world famous Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom (ACI.Arb.); a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), he was elected Fellow of The Royal Institute of British Architects, (founded 1834), in November 2016, and is one of only forty architects worldwide to be so honoured. He is also the author of the book, “Housing Policy And The Dynamics Of Housing Delivery In Nigeria: Lagos State As Case Study” published by Makeway Publishers, and available on Amazon and also at The Royal Institute of British Architects, Portland Place. London.
Helping the poor during this period of food shortage in Lagos State, and indeed, all the states of the country, and Abuja, can be approached in several ways:
With respect to Lagos State population of 25 million and upwards, getting food to the less fortunate in Lagos can be a daunting task.
However, here are some ways of how we as individuals or as groups can help make a difference.
Donate to food banks: Contribute to local food banks or charities that provide meals to those in need.
Volunteer: Offer your time at soup kitchens (if available) or community organisations distributing food to the less fortunate.
Support local farmers: Purchase food from local farmers and markets to support the local economy and ensure fresh produce is available.
Advocate for policies: Advocate for policies that address food insecurity and support initiatives aimed at reducing poverty in the community.
Educate: Provide educational resources on nutrition and budgeting to help individuals make healthier and more cost-effective food choices.
Organise food drives: Coordinate food drives in your community to collect non-perishable items for distribution to those in need.
Raise awareness: Use social media and other platforms to raise awareness about food insecurity in Lagos State and encourage others to take action.
Initiate an allotment programme: ‘Allotments’ were created by the British government during their second world war against nazi Germany in order to keep the population fed, and to encourage city dwellers to farm by ‘allotting’ them small amounts of land outside the city centres to grow food as food importation became virtually impossible due to the attacks by German ‘U’ boats on food ship convoys from the United States and elsewhere.
Revival of the Operation Feed The Nation programme? The jury’s still out on the success or otherwise of this programme under a former military government. But it had the singular effect of focusing the minds of non farmers on farming, even as a ‘hobby’.
By taking these actions, you can contribute to alleviating food shortages and improving the well-being of the less fortunate in Lagos State.
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