Poverty is not just the lack of financial resources; it is total deprivation that affects the mental, social, and physical well-being of its victims. It limits possibilities, diminishes hope, and places individuals in a disadvantaged position. For many, it is a daily reality that strips away dignity and self-respect.
In developing countries like Nigeria, this sad reality is more pronounced. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 63% of Nigerians—approximately 133 million people—are multidimensionally poor. This means that beyond income insufficiency, they lack access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and clean water.
Coming home from work yesterday, I witnessed a distressing scene that further brought this reality to life. Two women were shouting and fighting in the middle of the road. Out of curiosity, I stopped to inquire about the cause of the altercation. To my dismay, I learned that one of the women had been owing the other ₦300 since 2024—a meager amount that had become a source of conflict. Such is the inhumanity of poverty; it robs individuals of their peace and undermines relationships, leaving people with issues that should ordinarily be insignificant.
Poverty is not just about numbers—it is about real people and their struggles. The lack of resources to afford daily meals, send children to school, or access basic healthcare is the everyday battle of many Nigerians. For example, UNICEF reports that 10.5 million children in Nigeria are out of school, most of whom are in northern regions plagued by poverty and insecurity.
In urban areas, families live in overcrowded slums with poor sanitation, exposing them to diseases. In rural communities, farmers lack modern tools and face challenges selling their produce due to poor infrastructure, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Breaking the Cycle
To combat multidimensional poverty, Nigeria must implement holistic and sustainable solutions. The government should focus on:
✍🏾Investing in Education: Ensuring that all children have access to quality education, especially girls, who are disproportionately affected by poverty.
✍🏾Healthcare Accessibility: Strengthening healthcare systems and making services affordable for low-income families.
✍🏾Job Creation: Providing skill acquisition programs and promoting small- and medium-sized enterprises to empower individuals economically.
✍🏾Social Safety Nets: Establishing welfare programs to support the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly.
In addition to governmental efforts, individuals and private organizations can play a role by contributing to charity, supporting community projects, and advocating for policy changes.
Poverty is a sad reality, but it is not a permanent one. With collective effort and a commitment to tackling the root causes, we can envision a future where dignity is restored, and possibilities are no longer limited.
Ubong Usoro
