Rethinking Poverty: Beyond Financial Constraints | By Alli Egbesola
People often associate poverty with a lack of financial capacity, but it extends beyond that. Poverty is a concept that is broader in nature. Checking the definitions from different authors and scholars reveals its breadth. Poverty is the state of being poor; that is, lacking the basic needs of life such as food, health, education, and shelter, among others (Oxford Dictionary of Politics and International Relations, 4th edition, 2018). Poverty refers to a state of deprivation where individuals lack basic necessities for a decent standard of living, such as adequate food, shelter, clothing, and access to essential services like healthcare and education. It is not just about financial constraints but also encompasses social, political, and environmental factors that limit opportunities and perpetuate inequality (ChatGPT AI, retrieved June 4th, 2024).
Poverty is a socioeconomic condition that results from multiple factors and not just income. It is both an individual concern and a broader social problem. With various definitions and explanations of poverty from different authors (using the two definitions above as examples), it shows that in any area an individual is performing below normal, then he or she is in poverty of that thing.
A case study: Pastor Gabriel has done very well regarding Muyideen’s issue. The best service in life is any service that is to the glory of God and service to humanity. Yes! Pastor Gabriel is an example of a humanitarian and philanthropist, showing that kindness still remains on Earth. I personally appreciate and pray that God, in whom He serves, will reward him accordingly (Amen). Muyideen is a poor man, and he needs help, but not financially alone; his poverty is not only financially inclined but also health-wise. He is psychologically and intellectually poor. Imagine someone selling phone accessories and still appearing like a madman; then we should know something is wrong somewhere. With that selling of phone accessories, Muyideen should be able to appear neat to some extent, not the way he appears when Pastor Gabriel wants to pick him up with his little source of income if nothing is not wrong somewhere. It is his health issue that made him behave the way he is doing, despite punishing him not to do it again. Mr. Muyideen needs rehabilitative attention more than financial at that point of picking up his issue (even up till now).
Mr. Muyideen needs rehabilitation and counselling to set some things straight on him; if not, his condition may even worsen than before. The good Nigerians that have the capacity to do so should help him with this. Pastor Gabriel should not feel belittled or ashamed of what the “Muyideen Agbala Gabriel” matter might have brought to him if truly he is doing his service to the glory of God and service to humanity. I use this medium to plead with good people to help Muyideen out of the psychological poverty he is in. May God help us all.
No matter how rich we all are, we are still poor in one thing or another. May Almighty God move us all out of what we are poor in (Amen).
Alli Egbesola,
Ibadan, Oyo-State.
