The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has lamented that Nigeria is a very wealthy country but its citizens are poor.
Kwankwaso said this in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Thursday as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
He stated that Independence Day is not only a day for celebration, but a time to reflect on where the country is, where it wants to be and what it must do to get there.
“Nigeria is blessed with enormous human and natural resources. Yet, too many of our people are living with insecurity, poverty, unemployment, hunger and inadequate access to quality education and healthcare.
“This should concern every Nigerian, particularly those entrusted with leadership.
“We cannot continue to accept a situation where our children are out of school, farmers cannot safely access their farms, young people struggle to find opportunities, and communities are displaced by insecurity,” he said.
Echoing the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the former Kano State governor said Nigeria must move from consumption to production.
“We must invest in our people, especially our young population. We must make education a priority, support agriculture and industry, empower entrepreneurs and create an environment where hard work can translate into prosperity.
“Security must also remain a fundamental responsibility of government. Nigerians deserve to live, farm, trade and raise their families without fear,” he added.
October 1: Nigeria is rich, yet her citizens are poor – Kwankwaso