Nigeria, June 15 -- Once again, the shameful paradox of Nigeria's governance has been dragged into the spotlight-not by our leaders, but by outsiders who seem more concerned about our children than those sworn to protect them. The European Union has graciously earmarked ₦900 million to fight the raging storm of malnutrition in Northern Nigeria, and while this gesture should stir gratitude, it instead evokes a deeper frustration-a gnawing reminder that our leaders have been sleeping at the wheel while the nation's youngest wither in silence.

It is often said that charity begins at home. Yet, in Nigeria, charity seems to die at the gates of power. Year in, year out, budgetary allocations for health and nutrition disappear into bureau...