The NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians and the government to use the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty as a moment to reflect on the country’s worsening poverty situation.
Obi, in a statement on Saturday, expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerians struggling to afford basic needs, including food, healthcare and other necessities of life.
He argued that a country’s economic progress should be measured by how much it improves the living conditions of its citizens, rather than by growth figures alone.
According to him, Nigeria’s poverty situation has become a major concern, with millions of citizens facing difficult living conditions despite the country’s abundant natural and human resources.
“Today is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Sadly, Nigeria has become a symbol of the global poverty crisis,” Obi said.
He added that the country’s poverty rate showed the need for urgent intervention, saying that “progress must be measured by improvements in people’s lives.”
The former Anambra State governor questioned the impact of economic policies when many Nigerians continue to experience hunger, insecurity and difficulties accessing basic services.
“What meaning does economic growth have when citizens are getting poorer, hungrier, and more insecure?” he asked.
Obi said the government should demonstrate genuine commitment towards reducing poverty and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He suggested that Nigeria could have used the occasion of World Poverty Day as a public holiday, not for celebration, but as a period for national reflection on the challenges facing citizens.
“Perhaps today should have been declared a public holiday, not for celebration, but for national reflection on how a country so richly endowed with human and natural resources has allowed poverty to overcome it,” he stated.
Obi maintained that poverty is not an unavoidable condition for Nigeria, stressing that effective leadership and proper management of resources can change the situation.
“Poverty is not Nigeria’s destiny,” he said, adding that investment in education, healthcare, agriculture and small businesses would help create a better future for citizens.
He called for a Nigeria where citizens can live with dignity and where no person is forced to go to bed hungry.
“A new Nigeria where no citizen goes to bed hungry and where every citizen lives in dignity is possible,” Obi said.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17 to raise awareness about poverty challenges and promote efforts aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations worldwide.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has continued to face economic pressures, including inflation, unemployment and rising living costs, which have increased concerns about poverty and household welfare.
