Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Nigeria: A Call to Action as opined by the APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa – Written by Nduka Anyanwu, SA- Media to The APGA National Chairman.
As we welcome the second month of 2025, it’s essential to confront the multi dimensional issue of poverty in Nigeria. As opined by the APGA National Chairman, poverty is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach. Research has shown that unemployment, corruption, lack of economic diversification, inequality, poor education, and laziness are interconnected determinants of poverty in Nigeria.
These factors create a vicious cycle, where unemployment, poor education, and poverty reinforce each other. The lack of education limits job opportunities, and the poor cannot afford to educate themselves, perpetuating the cycle. Moreover, being educated does not guarantee employment, as many graduates face unemployment due to limited job opportunities and corruption.
To break this cycle, Nigeria must prioritize economic diversification, investing in sectors like agriculture and other promising industries. The prone Niger Delta crisis highlights the risks of relying heavily on oil exports, which contribute
approximately 97% of Nigeria’s export revenues. – Other factors like insecurity, kidnaping, excess political party internal crisis, need for judicial reforms, electoral reforms, etc. has become obvious as distractions and must be talked head-on in order to address this monster for the growth and good of our people and nation NIGERIA.
Furthermore, addressing poverty requires a multifaceted approach that includes:
1. Improving Education: Investing in quality education to equip young people with skills and knowledge to compete in the job market.
2. Job Creation: Encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation to reduce unemployment and provide opportunities for young graduates.
3. Healthcare: Providing access to clean water, adequate healthcare
services, and addressing preventable diseases to reduce infant mortality rates.
4. Anti-Corruption Efforts: Strengthening institutions and enforcing anti-corruption laws to promote transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
Poverty in Nigeria is a complex issue, driven by interconnected factors including unemployment, corruption, lack of economic diversification, inequality, poor education, and laziness. To break this cycle, Nigeria must adopt a multifaceted approach as indicated that prioritizes:
Economic diversification and job creation
Improving access to quality education
Providing access to healthcare and clean water
Strengthening anti-corruption efforts and promoting transparency
By tackling these interconnected factors, Nigeria can make significant progress in reducing poverty and improving the lives of its citizens. It’s time for collective action to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for Nigeria.
