October 1: Nigeria is rich, yet her citizens are poor – Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed his concern that Nigeria is a wealthy nation, yet its citizens are impoverished. The statement was made on the 66th Independence Anniversary, a day that should serve as a reflection on the country's current state, its aspirations, and the necessary actions to achieve progress.

Kwankwaso emphasized that Nigeria's abundant human and natural resources should not be overshadowed by the suffering of its people, who face issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, hunger, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. He emphasized the responsibility of the leaders to address these challenges, as they cannot be accepted if children are deprived of education, farmers are unable to protect their farms, young people struggle to find opportunities, and communities are displaced due to insecurity.

Kwankwaso echoed the sentiments of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who urged Nigeria to transition from a consumption-based economy to a production-driven one. He called for increased investment in the people, particularly the young population, and the prioritization of education, agriculture, and industry. Moreover, he stressed the importance of empowering entrepreneurs and creating an environment where hard work can lead to prosperity.

A fundamental responsibility of the government, according to Kwankwaso, is ensuring the security of Nigerians, allowing them to live, farm, trade, and raise their families without fear.