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Nigerian Writers Urge President Tinubu To Address Plight Of Citizens Afflicted By Poverty, Others

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March 11, 2024

The group in a statement issued on Monday by its Coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, urged President Tinubu to implement economic policies that stimulate job creation, boost agricultural production, and reduce inflation.

 

 

 

Nigerian authors under the aegis of Writers for Democratic Change (WfDC) have expressed deep concern over the escalating hardship faced by millions of Nigerians and appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise their well-being.

 

The group in a statement issued on Monday by its Coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, urged President Tinubu to implement economic policies that stimulate job creation, boost agricultural production, and reduce inflation.

 

Adedoyin stated that Nigerian people are under immense strain, amid the current crippled economy, insecurity, and a crumbling infrastructure, while advocating government investment in robust security measures to combat insurgency and provide peace and stability across the nation.

 

According to the group, "basic necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare are increasingly out of reach for a significant portion of the population."

 

Citing the World Bank report which estimates over 90 million Nigerians, nearly half the population, live below the national poverty line, the group regretted that inflation has continued to soar, eroding the purchasing power of families and pushing more into destitution.

The group lamented, "Food insecurity is a growing crisis, with millions struggling to consistently put food on the table.

"The ongoing insurgency in the northeast and criminal activity across the nation threaten the safety and security of Nigerians. Violence displaces communities, disrupts livelihoods, and creates a climate of fear.

 

"The Nigerian healthcare system is severely underfunded and overburdened. Access to quality healthcare remains a privilege for the wealthy, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable illnesses and treatable diseases. Public hospitals are often understaffed and lack essential equipment.

"The quality of education suffers due to inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, and poorly paid teachers. This jeopardizes the future of young Nigerians, hindering their ability to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.

"Power outages are a daily occurrence, hindering economic productivity. Roads are in disrepair, making transportation and the flow of goods difficult. Access to clean water and sanitation remains a challenge for many communities.”

It called on the government for immediate action on several fronts and reminded President Tinubu that he has a historic opportunity to unite the nation and lead Nigeria towards a brighter future.

The group urged the president to "increase funding for healthcare and education, ensuring quality and accessibility for all Nigerians”.

 

 "Prioritize infrastructure development to provide reliable power, improve transportation networks, and facilitate access to clean water and sanitation.

 

"Despite the hardship, the Nigerian spirit remains unbroken. The creativity, determination, and resilience of Nigerians are the nation's greatest resources. However, these attributes need to be met with strong and decisive leadership," the group added. 

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Economy