The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has described Nigeria as “the worst place to be born”, citing worsening poverty, insecurity, unemployment and hunger in the country.
Obi made the remark in his Independence Day message on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary.
He blamed the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government for failing to reverse the challenges confronting Nigerians despite promises made ahead of the 2023 elections.
“Despite the promises made by the APC government in 2023, our nation continues to face deepening challenges across virtually every critical sector of national life,” Obi said.
According to the former Anambra State governor, more than 140 million Nigerians are living in poverty and hardship, while over 80 million children are out of school.
He also described Nigeria as one of the countries most affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Obi expressed concern over the recent deaths of 37 young people and the worsening food crisis in the country.
“Recently, we lost 37 young people in their productive age. Where millions struggle for hunger, we are now one of the hungriest countries in the world,” he said.
He further cited concerns over infant and maternal mortality, as well as youth unemployment and drug abuse.
“Today, Nigeria is the worst place to be born. Our youth unemployment is the highest; over 35 million youths are unemployed, and we have one of the worst drug prevalences globally,” Obi said.
He called attention to the hardship facing young Nigerians, saying the country’s current conditions were making life increasingly difficult for the younger population.
