Poverty eradication: Peter Obi sends message to Nigerian leaders

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to make poverty eradication the central focus of governance, warning that millions of citizens are now trapped in deep economic hardship.

Obi made the appeal in a statement on Saturday to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, describing the occasion as a “solemn reminder” of Nigeria’s worsening poverty crisis.

He expressed concern that Nigeria currently ranks as the country with the highest number of people living in poverty globally, citing recent World Bank data indicating that over 139 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line — more than half of the nation’s population.

“This figure reflects not only deep economic hardship but also years of failed leadership, misplaced priorities, systemic corruption, policy failures, and an absence of compassionate governance,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor urged government officials to adopt policies that prioritize human capital development through education, healthcare, job creation, and support for small businesses, which he said are essential for sustainable economic recovery.

“I call on leaders at all levels to make poverty eradication the core of our governance priorities,” he said. “We must now, more than ever, restore productivity, reduce waste, and cut the cost of governance if we are truly committed to the fight against poverty.”

Obi stressed that true national progress should be measured not by the wealth of a few individuals but by the well-being of all citizens.

“A nation cannot be truly great when the majority of its citizens live in poverty. Together, we can make poverty history and restore hope to millions who have been left in despair,” he stated.

Reaffirming his optimism for a better future, Obi concluded with his familiar message: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”