Anambra First Lady Advocates for Job Creation to Combat Poverty

The Anambra First Lady urged for job creation and inclusive growth as essential measures to tackle poverty in a statement issued in Awka by her media aide, Daniel Ezeigwe, on October 17, marking the 2026 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The global theme this year emphasizes the importance of adequate, safe, and affordable housing in safeguarding human dignity and preventing vulnerable households from deeper poverty.

The National Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index report indicated that 133 million Nigerians, or about 63 percent of the population, faced overlapping deprivations in health, education, living standards, and access to basic services. However, the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index Country Briefing by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative reported Anambra's multidimensional poverty rate at 9.6 percent, one of the lowest in Nigeria and the lowest in the South-East.

The First Lady described this figure as encouraging but stressed the need for expanded access to economic opportunities and improved living conditions.