PDP raises alarm over deepening poverty, out-of-school children in Ebonyi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has accused the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru of failing to translate rising government revenues into improved living conditions for citizens, citing increasing poverty, unemployment and a growing number of out-of-school children as evidence of what it described as poor governance.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson of the party, Prince Darlington Peter Onwe, the PDP expressed concern over findings from the 2025 National Out-of-School Children Survey conducted in Ebonyi State, describing the results as alarming and indicative of deepening social and economic challenges.

The opposition party argued that the growing number of children outside the classroom should be a major concern to government and stakeholders, warning that educational exclusion threatens the future of affected children and undermines long-term development.

According to the PDP, the increasing prevalence of street begging, child labour and other signs of economic hardship across the state reflects the struggles many families face in meeting their basic needs.

The party noted that while the dignity of labour should be respected, government policies should focus on reducing hardship and creating opportunities for citizens.

Questioning the economic direction of the state, the PDP challenged the government to present a comprehensive development agenda capable of transforming Ebonyi into a competitive economy. It asked where the promised industries, large-scale employment opportunities, strategic investments and wealth-creation programmes were located despite the resources available to the state.

The party further alleged that governance in Ebonyi had become more focused on political activities and public relations campaigns than on delivering measurable economic outcomes. It claimed that many residents were becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress in critical areas such as job creation, enterprise development and investment attraction.

The statement also highlighted what it described as a widening gap between government revenues and public welfare. According to the PDP, Ebonyi State and its 13 local government councils continue to receive substantial monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), yet many citizens remain trapped in poverty and economic uncertainty.

The opposition party claimed that thousands of graduates remain unemployed years after completing their education, while small and medium-scale businesses continue to struggle under harsh economic realities. It added that many households are finding it increasingly difficult to afford food, healthcare, transportation and education.

Raising a series of questions, the PDP asked why poverty appeared to be increasing despite higher government revenues and why unemployment and business closures were becoming more widespread. The party maintained that these were not partisan questions but legitimate concerns that deserved clear answers from those in authority.

Describing itself as a government-in-waiting, the PDP said democracy thrives on accountability, transparency and the freedom of citizens to demand explanations from elected leaders. It insisted that its assessment reflected the genuine concerns of Ebonyi residents and not merely political opposition.

The party maintained that Ebonyi possesses abundant human and natural resources capable of driving rapid development but argued that the state requires stronger economic vision, strategic planning and prudent management of public resources. It called for greater emphasis on industrialisation, youth empowerment, agricultural modernisation, private sector growth and transparent governance.

The PDP concluded by urging the state government to move beyond political rhetoric and focus on policies that would create jobs, reduce poverty and improve living standards. It stressed that the success of any administration should ultimately be measured by the prosperity, security and wellbeing of its people rather than by political publicity or official pronouncements.