Poverty in Nigeria Threatening Security, Says Anambra Lawmaker

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A member of the Anambra State house of Assembly, representing Awka south 1 constituency, Hon. Henry Mbachu, has decried the level of poverty in Nigeria.

The lawmaker who took a tour of some markets in his constituency said with the level of poverty ravaging a good number of Nigerians, it is evident that the country’s national security, stability and unity will be threatened if it continued.

Distributing seed capital of N10,000 each to petty traders in markets across his constituency, Mbachu called for a more sustainable approach to tackling the country’s increasing rate of poverty.

“My engagements have been focused more on the people, especially the poor who live below the poverty line. The level of poverty and inequality in Nigeria today threatens national security, stability and unity.

“That is why we are touring some markets in this constituency, distributing seed capitals to local market men and women. The impact of the activities of these petty traders on the local economy is so enormous that one would wonder how such capital base of N10,000 can make a huge difference in people’s lives,” he implored.

He emphasised that creating more job opportunities for the underprivileged, implementing economic and institutional reforms for efficiency, would elevate incomes.

He also called on young people to come out and assist government in the fight against corruption by being active partners in monitoring projects, the development and growth of their local communities.