Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has marked the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by describing poverty as humanity’s “greatest enemy” and lamenting Nigeria’s position among the nations hardest hit by the scourge.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, the former presidential candidate stated that poverty serves as a breeding ground for other societal troubles. “Wherever it takes root, whether in the life of an individual or across a society, it breeds other troubles like disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness,” Atiku wrote.
He described the UN observance as a “timely reminder and a call to action,” urging governments, civil society, and all stakeholders to unite in fighting poverty in all its forms.
The opposition figure directly addressed Nigeria’s dire situation, noting, “In Nigeria, we have sadly earned the label of being among the nations hardest hit by poverty.” He emphasized that this reality is why his “advocacy for deliberate, people-centred solutions to end poverty remains strong and consistent.”
Atiku called for a grassroots approach to the problem, stressing that the fight against poverty must be taken “to every home, every community, and every school so that the ordinary Nigerian becomes part of the solution.”
Citing a Nigerian proverb to underscore his message, Atiku concluded, “When the poor man is hungry, peace sleeps outside.” He added that defeating poverty is essential for achieving true freedom and dignity for all citizens.
The statement comes amid ongoing national debates about economic policies and their impact on the living standards of ordinary Nigerians, reinforcing Atiku’s consistent focus on poverty eradication as a central theme of his political advocacy.
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