News
Obi Says Corruption and Poor Leadership Are Pushing Nigerians Deeper Into Poverty
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has blamed Nigeria’s stalled progress on corruption, insecurity, and what he described as weak leadership under President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on his X handle, Obi said more Nigerians are slipping into poverty because leaders have failed to prioritise the welfare of the people. He cited United Nations figures showing that about 34 million citizens could face severe food shortages, while 133 million, roughly 63% of the population, are living in multidimensional poverty.
The former Anambra State governor noted that inflation, now close to 30%, combined with unemployment and poor economic management, has eroded the middle class. He argued that other countries facing similar or even worse conditions have managed to recover through disciplined leadership and sound policies, pointing to Argentina as an example.
Obi highlighted that Argentina’s poverty rate, which stood at over 52% with inflation above 200% in early 2024, has dropped significantly under its new president – with poverty now at 38.1%, extreme poverty at 8.2%, and inflation reduced to 2–3% monthly within two years.
Drawing a comparison, he said both Argentina’s president and Tinubu started their terms in the same year, stressing that while two years may not be enough to fully transform a country, it is enough to begin meaningful reforms if leaders are honest and focused.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, speaks on the role and importance of teachers in the world to celebrate Teachers’ Day today.
He spoke on technology and its advancement and shared that while it is going well, teachers can never be replaced.
“These tools can help teachers reach learners and tailor instruction, but the judgement, encouragement and human connection of a skilled teacher remain indispensable,” he said.
“Every doctor, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur and public servant has benefited from a teacher and could not have become what they are today without teachers,” the minister said.
“When we honour teachers, we honour the people who make every other profession possible.”
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