The Ebonyi State 2023 Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Ifeanyi Odii, has said that there is widespread endemic poverty in Ebonyi State, with up to 79.8% of the people of Ebonyi living below the poverty line, and 78% of them trapped in multi-dimensional poverty.
Odii said this in a statement issued this Tuesday to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day as he lamented that Ebonyi ranks 32nd out of 36 states, in the Ease of Doing Business Index, and is the last among Southeastern states.
He also lamented that the systemic failure of leadership and governance to deliver meaningful opportunities for sustainable development and progress to the Youths of Ebonyi State have obstructed their potential.
Odii said amid these challenges, Ebonyi youth have remained spirited, enterprising, and courageous, building small ventures, leading start-ups, even without reasonable systemic support, limited capital, from those in power.
Our Correspondent in Ebonyi State, Emmanuel Nnaji further reports that Odii said this year’s International Youth Day must go beyond rhetoric but must be driven by their determined voice, innovative push, and creativity.