The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has questioned why Nigeria did not declare the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty a public holiday, saying the event ought to have been used for nationwide reflection on rising poverty.
Obi made the remarks in a put up marking the worldwide day, arguing that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians are struggling to afford meals and healthcare.
He cited figures in his put up displaying that Nigeria’s poverty charge rose from 40.1 per cent in 2019 to 56.2 per cent in 2023, with the speed projected to succeed in 63 per cent in 2026.
“What meaning does economic growth have when citizens are getting poorer, hungrier, and more insecure?” Obi requested.
He referred to as for higher administration of public assets and elevated funding in training, healthcare, agriculture and small companies to deal with the scenario.
Obi added that poverty ought to not outline Nigeria’s future, insisting {that a} nation the place residents can meet their fundamental wants and stay with dignity is feasible.
