Peter Obi questions why Nigeria did not declare World Poverty Day a public holiday

Peter Obi, presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, questioned why Nigeria did not make the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty a public holiday. He said the occasion should have prompted national reflection as millions of Nigerians struggle to afford food and healthcare. Figures he cited put the poverty rate at 40.1% in 2019 and 56.2% in 2023, with a projection of 63% in 2026. Obi called for better management of public resources and more investment in education, healthcare, agriculture and small businesses.