In a country where millions still grapple with the daily realities of poverty, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has made a clarion call for a comprehensive and integrated approach to economic development as the only sustainable way to lift Nigerians out of hardship.

Speaking at a recent economic policy forum, Governor Otti emphasized that tackling poverty in Nigeria requires far more than short-term interventions or isolated programs. Instead, he advocates for a holistic strategy that includes targeted job creation, institutional reforms, and systems for measuring real progress.

Poverty in Nigeria: A Persistent Challenge

Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy by GDP, continues to face stubbornly high poverty levels. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, a reflection not just of income deprivation, but lack of access to healthcare, education, and housing.

Governor Otti argues that the root causes of poverty, such as unemployment, poor governance, and lack of opportunity—must be addressed through systemic reforms and inclusive economic planning. “We cannot solve poverty by throwing money at it,” he noted. “We need to build an economy that works for everyone.”

The Need for Job Creation and Progress Tracking

One of the key pillars of Governor Otti’s proposal is job creation, especially for youth, who make up the majority of the population. He stressed the need for skills development, entrepreneurship support, and private sector incentives to stimulate employment.

Additionally, he called for robust tracking mechanisms that can monitor development outcomes. “It’s not enough to launch programs,” he said. “We must also evaluate their impact regularly to ensure that policies are actually lifting people out of poverty.”

A Call for Collaboration

Governor Otti’s message resonates beyond Abia State. His emphasis on strategic partnerships between state and federal governments, private sector stakeholders, and development agencies highlights a national need for coordinated action.

As Nigeria continues to seek pathways out of economic uncertainty, leaders like Alex Otti are reminding the nation that only a holistic, accountable, and inclusive economic framework can break the cycle of poverty for good.

Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by kingstar