Expressing deep concern over the escalating rates of poverty, banditry, and kidnapping in northern Nigeria, the Arewa New Agenda Forum has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formulate effective strategies to address these pressing issues.
The convener of the forum, Senator Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi, conveyed this plea during a press conference held in Abuja yesterday.
Highlighting Nigeria’s unsettling status as the global capital for extreme poverty, MoAllahyidi emphasized the urgency of the matter.
He pointed out that approximately five people are pushed into extreme poverty every minute, contributing to a staggering figure of nearly 94 million people living in extreme poverty out of the country’s 218 million population.
During a one-day dialogue session themed “Renewed Hope – The Road To End Poverty In Nigeria,” MoAllahyidi underscored the multifaceted factors contributing to the dire situation.
He noted, “This great country of good people accounts for 15.8 percent of the people living in extreme poverty worldwide, caused by insecurity, banditry, corruption, oil theft, amongst others.”
Providing alarming statistics, MoAllahyidi revealed that 10.2 million out-of-school children, with 98 percent from the North and 50 percent being nomads, further compound the challenge.
He emphasized that 14 out of the 15 states contributing to the out-of-school children statistic are from the North, with only Oyo State representing the South West.
The convener highlighted that 88.4 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty, with nearly 80 percent of this demographic hailing from the northern part of the country.
The Arewa Forum, consisting of like-minded individuals, aims to advance the prominence, relevance, innovation, and development of the northern region, envisioning a Nigeria where the North is capable, vibrant, and takes ownership of its future.
In addressing poverty reduction, MoAllahyidi acknowledged two critical issues directly impacting the fight against poverty in northern Nigeria. One of these concerns the rift between two global business icons of northern origin and pillars of poverty reduction in Nigeria.
The forum urged concerted efforts to bridge this gap for the collective welfare and prosperity of the region.
