Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described poverty as “the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known,” calling for renewed efforts to tackle the scourge in Nigeria and around the world.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Atiku lamented Nigeria’s persistent ranking among the nations most affected by poverty.
“It is a sad commentary that Nigeria, blessed with abundant human and natural resources, remains one of the countries hardest hit by poverty,” the former Vice President said.
Atiku emphasized that poverty undermines human dignity and hinders development, warning that no meaningful progress can be achieved if millions of citizens remain trapped in economic hardship.
He also urged policymakers to prioritize inclusive economic policies, job creation, and investments in education and healthcare as long-term strategies to combat poverty.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on October 17, is a United Nations initiative aimed at promoting awareness of the need to eliminate poverty in all its forms worldwide.
Nigeria currently ranks among the countries with the highest number of people living below the poverty line, according to recent data from the World Bank and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Despite various poverty alleviation programs, the socioeconomic challenges continue to grow amid inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
Atiku’s comments add to a growing chorus of voices urging urgent action to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty and ensure a more equitable future.
