By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
As Nigerian Muslims gather for Iftar, breaking their fast with steaming bowls of jollof rice and cold drinks, thousands of children in Sudan, South Sudan, Gaza, the DRC, and the Sahel are battling hunger, disease, and despair. Their Ramadan is not about choosing what to eat but about surviving another day without food or clean water.
UNICEF’s video, featured in The Merit Newspaper’s report, is more than a charity appeal—it starkly reveals the brutal reality of millions of starving children. Before engaging in debates over religious leadership and personal status, Nigerian Muslims are urged to watch this video and confront a sobering truth: while some argue over worldly achievements, innocent lives are slipping away in the shadows of war and famine. Ramadan is a time of self-restraint, patience, and generosity—will we uphold these values, or will we continue to ignore the suffering of those who need us most?
A Humanitarian Crisis Worsening by the Day
As millions of Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued an urgent appeal for support, highlighting the dire conditions faced by children in conflict-ridden regions such as Sudan, South Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the Sahel.
From hunger and homelessness to a lack of clean water, these children are trapped in an unending cycle of suffering, with little hope for survival. UNICEF warns that without immediate intervention, thousands of lives will be lost to malnutrition, disease, and violence.
“Every child deserves a future, but for millions, survival itself is at risk,” UNICEF stated in its latest appeal. “This Ramadan, we urge people across the world to extend their generosity and provide lifesaving support to those who need it most.”
In Sudan and South Sudan, conflict and displacement have pushed millions into famine-like conditions. UNICEF reports that nearly 3.5 million children in Sudan alone are severely malnourished, with many lacking access to basic medical care. Similarly, in the DRC, ongoing violence has forced entire communities into makeshift camps, where clean water and food supplies are scarce.
The situation in Gaza is equally catastrophic. Following months of bombardment and siege, the region is on the brink of famine. Thousands of children have lost their homes, schools have been destroyed, and medical facilities are overwhelmed. Reports from international agencies suggest that more than 1 million people in Gaza, including children, are facing acute hunger.
The Sahel region, spanning countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, is also in crisis. Armed conflicts, climate change, and economic instability have left over 10 million children in need of urgent humanitarian aid. Without intervention, an entire generation risks being lost to malnutrition and disease.
Where Are Muslim Leaders?
While these crises worsen, a debate has erupted within Nigeria’s Muslim community over issues of religious leadership and societal influence. Islamic scholars and Muslim leaders have been caught in disputes over personal and institutional recognition, while children in these crisis zones suffer without food, water, and medical care.
Humanitarian advocates are urging Nigerian Muslims to shift their focus from internal conflicts to global charity. “Islam emphasizes the importance of giving, especially during Ramadan,” said a leading Islamic scholar in Lagos. “We cannot afford to be distracted by egos and worldly achievements while our fellow Muslims, particularly children, are dying from hunger and war.”
A Call to Action
UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent donations to provide clean water, essential food supplies, and emergency medical care to children in Sudan, South Sudan, Gaza, the DRC, and the Sahel. They emphasize that every contribution—no matter how small—can save lives.
As part of its appeal, UNICEF has also released a video documenting the struggles of these children. The video, embedded in a report by The Merit Newspaper, serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities facing millions of innocent lives.
“This is not just a global issue; it is an Islamic responsibility,” said a Nigerian cleric advocating for more donations. “If we truly follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we must extend our hands to those in need.”
As the world fasts and reflects this Ramadan, will we allow politics and personal rivalries to drown out the cries of starving children, or will we rise to our duty and extend a helping hand?
