Peter Obi has questioned FG over failure to declare Poverty Eradication Day Public Holiday.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned why the Federal Government did not declare the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty a public holiday, arguing that the occasion should have provided an opportunity for national reflection on rising poverty in Nigeria.
Obi made the remarks in a post marking the international day, expressing concern over the economic difficulties faced by millions of Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities, including food and healthcare.
The former Anambra State governor cited figures indicating that Nigeria’s poverty rate increased from 40.1 per cent in 2019 to 56.2 per cent in 2023, with the rate projected to reach 63 per cent in 2026.
He questioned the impact of economic growth on ordinary Nigerians when many citizens continue to face worsening living conditions.
“What meaning does economic growth have when citizens are getting poorer, hungrier, and more insecure?” Obi asked.
He argued that the occasion should serve as a reminder of the need for stronger government action to address poverty and improve the living conditions of vulnerable Nigerians.
Obi called for better management of public resources and increased investment in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and small businesses.
According to him, prioritising these areas would help create economic opportunities, strengthen livelihoods and improve access to essential services.
The NDC presidential candidate also maintained that poverty should not define Nigeria’s future, stressing that the country could build a society where citizens are able to meet their basic needs and live with dignity.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people living in poverty and promote efforts to eliminate poverty worldwide.
Obi’s comments come amid continuing public debate over the cost of living, economic reforms and the effectiveness of government policies in addressing poverty and hardship in Nigeria.
