The National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Comrade Balarebe Rufa’i, has described poverty among Nigerian youths as a “national emergency” that threatens the country’s democracy, security, and development.
Rufa’i made the remarks in Abuja on Friday in an official statement marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a global event observed annually to mobilize action against poverty. He warned that widespread economic hardship continues to rob young Nigerians of opportunities, dignity, and hope.
“Across the 36 states and the FCT, poverty continues to rob young Nigerians of opportunity, dignity, and hope. It has stifled innovation, crippled potential, and forced many into desperation,” Rufa’i stated.
He highlighted the daily struggles faced by millions of young people—from students dropping out due to unpaid fees, to artisans unable to afford tools, to graduates left jobless despite their qualifications. According to him, this situation has pushed many youths into the hands of political thugs, extremist groups, and dangerous migration networks.
“When a generation is denied its dreams, the nation risks losing its direction,” he said. “Poverty among Nigerian youth is not a statistic; it is a crisis—a crisis that fuels insecurity, perpetuates inequality, and undermines peace.”
Rufa’i outlined key steps that all stakeholders—governments at all levels, political actors, civil society, and the private sector—must take to address the challenge. These include deliberate investment in youth-centered poverty eradication programmes, expanding access to quality education and vocational training, and prioritizing job creation in sectors such as innovation, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
He also stressed the need for robust social protection systems to support the most vulnerable youth populations and called for meaningful youth participation in policymaking.
“We cannot build a prosperous nation when more than half of our youth live below the poverty line,” Rufa’i declared. “Poverty eradication should not be seen as charity, but as a national emergency requiring political will and immediate action.”
The ADC Youth Leader reaffirmed the party’s commitment to championing youth inclusion and economic justice, envisioning a Nigeria “where no young person is left behind.”
“As we mark this day, may we all be reminded that until poverty is defeated, peace will remain fragile, and our democracy incomplete,” he concluded.
