Assalamu Alaikum
I am sure people are aware of what is happening in Niger, so I need not provide any background on it. The fact of the matter is that thousands will die if something fast and concrete is done to provide critical food supplies to Niger. Nigeriens are our brothers by being human, africans, muslims, neighbors and for some of us relatives. It is no fault of Niger's citizens that this is happening. A combination of drought, locus invasion and government's lack of planning is to blame.
There is something each and everyone of us can do. For example:
1) Make sure everyone you know is aware of the problem.
2) If you have access to policy makers at the state or federal level, make sure they too are aware and impress upon them the need to help these helpless people
3) Announce it at friday prayers and if you are deeply committed, you can arrange a donation drive at mosques, universities, markets etc. You can then give the proceeds directly to the Niger consulate around Kano airport or any UN agency near you.
Lets not forget that Allah has enjoined us to do good and help out those in need. Today it is Nigeriens who are afflicted with this test, tommorow it might be us!
Bissalam
I was just reading an article on the BBC site about this pending disaster. Seems the warning signs were evident for a long time but no-one paid attention. Nigeria and indeed the rest of Africa should definitely do something to help.