The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has questioned why Nigeria did not declare World Poverty Day a public holiday, saying the event ought to have been used for nationwide reflection on rising poverty.
Obi made the remarks in a publish marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, arguing that tens of millions of Nigerians had been struggling to afford meals and healthcare.
He cited figures in his publish displaying that Nigeria’s poverty price rose from 40.1 per cent in 2019 to 56.2 per cent in 2023, with an estimated 63 per cent in 2026.
“What meaning does economic growth have when citizens are getting poorer, hungrier, and more insecure?” Obi requested.
He known as for higher administration of public sources and elevated funding in schooling, 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 might meet their fundamental wants and dwell with dignity was potential.
