World enews: Nigeria Was Giant Of Africa In 1960, World’s Poverty Capital By 2021 –Singer, Seun Kuti Laments Government Failure

Seun Kuti, Nigerian musician, singer and son of the famous Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti has described Nigeria as the old giant of Africa that has become the poverty capital of the world.

The singer noted that there is nothing much to be celebrated on the 61st independence anniversary of the nation.

Kuti, who is the convener of a group, Movement of The People, in a statement sent to SaharaReporters noted that Nigeria is in a state of near collapse with a high level of hunger, insecurity, unemployment and corruption.

Describing the situation as ‘worrisome’, he urged Nigerians to participate in the voting process in other to make Nigeria great again.

“It is fitting to bring you all warm solidarity greetings as we celebrate the 61st anniversary of our dear nation! Even though there is nothing to celebrate, owing to the near-collapse in the state of our dear nation.

“With the worrisome level of hunger, insecurity, high rate of unemployment, and wanton looting, the celebration of today’s anniversary calls for a sober reflection and the need to re-organise ourselves to get involved in the democratic process with the view to set the nation on the road to recovery.”

“The decision to get Nigeria working from this moribund and mechanistic level is in our ‘thumbs’ and it is neither in the bombs nor bullets. The Movement of The People has now given every Nigerian of voting age the political platform to choose credible leaders across the 36 states and 774 local government (areas) of the federation.”

The saxophonist said the poverty level in Nigeria has increased from 15 per cent to 50 per cent, affirming that Nigeria had become the ‘poverty capital of the world.’

“In 1960, the poverty level was at 15 per cent, but today, the poverty level is 50 per cent, thereby making the Giant of Africa the poverty capital of the world. In Fela Anikulapo’s voice, ‘as time de go things just de bad, poor man de cry’. May the Legendary Abami Eda’s soul continue to rest in peace!

“The ongoing voter’s registration exercise is the starting point and all eligible Nigerians must get their voters card as the 2023 election has given us an ample opportunity as a people to collectively unite using the M.O.P as a platform to dislodge dealers called leaders,” he added.