Tobi Ijalana
The same North that gave back to Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is still the poorest in the country.
No wonder, Dangote raised the alarm in Kaduna two days ago at the state’s economy summit that attracted a lot of professionals.
Delivering the keynote address, Dangote noted that 60 per cent population of the region live in extreme poverty.
According to him, it is unacceptable for a region with vast arable land for agriculture to live in poverty.
Phenomenal.com.ng takes a look at poverty data in Nigeria and it discovers more reasons a Dangote should be livid.
According to current data, almost all the 10 poorest states in Nigeria are from the North.
It is only Ebonyi State happens to be Number 9:
1. Sokoto State
It is rated as the poorest state in Nigeria, ranking 81.2% on poverty level. Its harsh climate conditions has made it a no go area and has prevented many foreigners and foreign investors to come for investment in the state.
2. Kastina State
Katsina has fewer or no solid investment or sector that generates revenue for the state.
3. Adamawa State
Due to similar issues, plus frequent Boko Haram attacks, the economy of the state has dropped. As a result citizens run away from the state because of safety. It has affected the state poorly to a poverty level of 74.2%.
4. Gombe State
The economy is at 73.2% poverty level.
5. Jigawa State
It is populated by Hausa/Fulani and is battling low literacy level and economic growth. Poverty level is at 72.1%.
6. Kebbi State
The north-west state it is rated 72% among those with high poverty level.
7. Plateau State
Home to various tribes, Plateau has 71% poverty level, which is likely to have been worsened by notorious Jos crises.
8. Zamfara State
With 70.8% per cent poverty rate, Zamfara has been ranked by the NBS among the poorest States in the country.
9. Ebonyi State
Ironically, this South-East state is in a bad competition with the poor lot. It is rated at 70.6%.
10. Bauchi State
Statistics show that majority of the resident of this area lack basic amenities.
(Sources: www.Naijaquest.com, www.nigerianinfopedia.com)
