
FEATURES
Some countries, grappling with economic challenges, are home to some of the world’s poorest people, where poverty remains a pressing issue.
Spotlighting the nations with the largest populations living in extreme poverty sheds light on the magnitude of the challenge and the need for sustainable economic reforms to change the narrative in the affected countries.
These figures, as per the latest report from the United Nations, illustrate the ongoing struggles faced by communities and emphasise the need for a closer examination of the factors contributing to poverty in different regions.
Here are the top 5 countries with the poorest people in the world:
India
India has the largest number of people living in extreme poverty, with approximately 234 million individuals affected in a population of 1.4 billion. Despite some economic growth in recent years, a substantial portion of the population remains vulnerable.
Factors such as unemployment, inadequate access to healthcare, and educational disparities contribute to the persistence of poverty in both urban and rural areas.
Pakistan
Following India, Pakistan has about 93 million people living in extreme poverty. With a population of over 240 million, many Pakistanis face challenges such as inflation, limited access to education, and health services.
Political instability and economic hardships further exacerbate the situation, leaving many families struggling to meet their basic needs.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is home to over 130 million people with almost 67 percent [83 million] of that population living in acute poverty.
Despite progress in recent years, including improvements in agricultural production and access to education, the country still grapples with food insecurity and the impacts of climate change.
Droughts and other environmental challenges can severely disrupt livelihoods, pushing vulnerable populations deeper into poverty.
Nigeria
Nigeria, with approximately 74 million individuals in extreme poverty, is the most populous country in Africa.
Economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, and a crippling economy, contribute to widespread poverty.
Additionally, high levels of corruption, conflicts, terrorism, and widespread carnage in various regions hinder development efforts and disrupt access to essential services, leaving many without adequate support.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has about 66 million people living in extreme poverty. Despite its vast natural resources, the DRC faces ongoing political instability, conflict, and corruption, which significantly impede economic growth and development.
Many Congolese lack access to basic services such as clean water, education, and healthcare, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has raised the alarm over the threats posed by cybercrime, revealing that Nigeria lost more than $500 million to the criminal activity in 2022.
Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ola Olukoyede spoke during a National Cybercrime Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.
“As a matter of fact, the research I did earlier this year confirmed that cybercrime has become the third largest GDP in the world with approximately 2,328 cases occurring daily.
“The implication of all this is that if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world.
“Bringing it to Nigeria, in 2022 alone, Nigeria lost over $500 million to cybercrime,” he said.
The chairman of the EFCC noted that cybercrime constitutes a significant percentage of the convictions recorded by the agency since he took office a year ago.
However, Olukoyede revealed that the agency has made plans to rechannel the energies of young people who are mostly perpetrators of cybercrime.
A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has disqualified the chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, from conducting the scheduled local government elections in the state.
The court ruled that the KANSIEC chairman and other members of the Commission are card carrying members of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and also are not civil servants above grade level 14.
This is coming barely four days to the Kano LG elections, scheduled for Saturday October 26, 2024.
The court presided by Justice S.A Amobede made the declaration while delivering judgement in a suit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, an All Progressives Congress, APC, member against KANSIEC, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, and 14 others.
According to him, “The defendants being card carrying members of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) and in partisan politics contrary to the Section 197 (1) (b) and Section 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001, are not qualified to be the Chairman and Members of the of the Defendant, (KANSIEC).”
The judge further ruled that “Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of the Commission, not being an officer in the Kano State Civil Service not below the rank of Director prior to his appointment as Secretary of the Commission, is not qualified to be appointed to the position pursuant to Section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001”.
The judge added that “the 1st Defendant (KANSIEC) whose composition of members was made in contravention of constitutional provisions of Section 197 (1)(b) and Section 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001, cannot validly and competently conduct Local Government Election 2024 in respect of 44 Local Governments in Kano State until and unless qualified persons are duly and legally appointed as chairman and members of the commission in line with relevant extent law.”
Justice Amobede further ruled that whatever the Commission “did or has done or is doing in preparation of 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State such as issuance of election guidelines, circulars, screening of candidates, sale of nomination and expression interest forms whichever and howsoever are null and void and of no effect whatsoever”.
“The defendants are forthwith disqualified and removed from their positions as chairman and members of the Commission.
“The 1st defendant (KANSIEC) is forthwith restrained from conducting 2024 Local Government Election in respect of 44 Local Governments in Kano State until and unless qualified persons are duly appointed.
“The defendants are mandated forthwith not to participate and monitor the conduct of Local Government Election 2024 in Kano State until and unless the provisions of sections 197 (1) (b), 199 (2) and 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and sections 4 (b) and 14 (1) of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001 are fully complied with in the appointment of qualified persons as Chairman and Members of the 1st Defendant,” the judge added.
Justice Amobede directed the Police and other security agencies to forthwith ensure full compliance with the ruling.
A Deputy Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Services, NCoS, Emby Anukwara, has disclosed that crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, was kept in a ‘privilege cell’ during his jail term in Kirikiri Prison.
He explained that Bobrisky was sent to the privilege cell because he was examined and found to have both male and female sex organs.
The deputy comptroller disclosed this at the correctional centre while addressing members of the House of Representatives investigative committee.
The committee had visited the facility as part of their investigative hearing into the allegations against Bobrisky.
A Lagos Court had sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison for naira mutilation.
But recordings of a conversation leaked by social media sensation, Martins Ortse aka VeryDarkMan, suggested that Bobrisky never served his jail term at Kirikiri prison as ordered by the court.
In the audio, the crossdresser said he served his jail term in a lodge due to the influence of his ‘godfather’.
However, an investigative panel has said there was no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the prison during his six-month jail term.
However, the officer while addressing the House of Representatives committee, said: “I am Emby Anukwara, Deputy Comptroller of Corrections and officer in charge of Medium when Bobrisky was brought in here.
“On April 12, 2024, Bobrisky was brought here at about 10:30 pm and at about that time, we could not do the necessary documentation.
“So knowing his history as to if he’s a male or female, we decided to take a proactive action; so I directed that he should be given a single cell in the privilege ward – privilege cell.
“He was taken to P-ward room 2 where we are. The next day when we did the admission, he was taken to medicals where the doctor and matron examined him and said he had a male and female organ.”
Media
A former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, has regained freedom after serving a 5-year jail term in Kuje Prison.
— Daily Nigerian (@daily_nigerian) October 22, 2024
He was convicted for receiving a bribe of $500,000 from a businessman, Femi Otedola. pic.twitter.com/ok5qKj6FEq
Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky has now been moved from the custody of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State.
The socialite was arrested by Immigration officers at the Seme border on Sunday night October 20 while trying to ‘flee’ to Benin republic.
Punch reports that Bobrisky was transferred from the Immigration service office to the FCID where he spent the night with the police.
Confirming this development, the spokesperson for the FCID, Lagos, Mayegun Aminat, said;
“He is detained at FCID Alagbon. He is with us and we are to get a remand to keep him in custody today.”
FG’s House Gift To Judges Is Essential So They Can Focus On The Heavy Responsibility Entrusted To Them – CJN
AFOLABIThe Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has announced the construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District of the FCT.
She asserted that the initiative will significantly boost the performance of judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking on Monday at the flag-off ceremony of the project, Justice Kekere-Ekun described it as a significant milestone in the government’s continuous efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the FCT.
“Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to their ability to focus on the heavy responsibility entrusted to them,” she stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the importance of a peaceful living environment for judges, noting, “Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.”
She further elaborated on the necessity of the project, stating, “The construction of these residences is a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers are well-supported; it reflects the recognition that the mental well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.”
The CJN added that the homes would provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency, and clarity of mind. “The ability of judicial officers to perform their functions is strengthened when their well-being is prioritised and their work condition is conducive,” she remarked.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, among other dignitaries.
Minister Wike underscored the necessity for judicial officers to have a robust welfare package, including adequate housing. He asserted that with the guarantee of their houses, judges would be firm in delivering judgments and courageous in executing their duties.
Wike confirmed that 70% of the funds for the project had been released following its approval by the Federal Executive Council last month. He specified that out of the 40 units to be constructed, 20 will be allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.
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There are fresh indications that several bigwigs and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party may have resolved to snub former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and settle for the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, The PUNCH gathered.
The clandestine move comes barely a week after governors elected on the platform of the PDP brokered peace between factions of the party.
Despite the call to maintain the status quo, members of the PDP National Working Committee loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have begun pushing for the candidacy of Makinde, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The logic, according to multiple sources that spoke with our correspondent, is to truncate the ambition of Atiku and stop the party from conceding the ticket to the former VP, who they lamented has become a ‘serial contestant.’
Some party chieftains who spoke with The PUNCH on the ground of anonymity admitted that they were yet to forgive the former PDP presidential candidate for bungling their biggest chance to return to power in 2023, following his refusal to appease the aggrieved five governors demanding the resignation of the immediate-past national chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu.
Wike and Makinde, alongside Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, former governors of Benue, Enugu and Abia states respectively, had worked against Atiku’s election in 2023.
“Every election cycle, you will be given a presidential ticket; you will bungle it. Look at the mess that he caused for us at the 2023 election. What was difficult in going to kneel before the aggrieved five governors (G-5) and winning the election for us?
“Now, it is one of those same men you cried about that is giving you a problem. He could have waited till after the election and deceived Wike as (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo did during his time. Atiku was not serious and sincere about winning that presidency,” a source explained.
A few members of the NWC, who did not want to be identified, also felt Atiku was always seeking to experiment with the PDP and had not shown enough zeal to win it, following the manner he handled his differences with the camp of Wike and the other four governors during the intrigue of Ayu-must-go campaign.
They also feared that he may no longer be a sellable candidate in 2027 because of his age, hence the need for a younger and more vibrant candidate like Makinde.
“The same (Iyorchia) Ayu he was protecting told us during the campaign that both Atiku and Tinubu are his friends. But you were there playing politics like a greenhorn.
“Just because of Ayu, you sacrificed five governors. There was no way those five governors would not have changed the story for us. We lost the presidential election by less or a little over one million votes.
“That is why we are seeking a way out. Nobody can just be coming and using the PDP to experiment every four years. For now, we are supporting Seyi Makinde. Let this aspiration go to the South West this time. Makinde has shown capacity. He is a Christian and a Southerner.
“Let us try the other side of the country for a change. Seyi is young and vibrant. He can connect with both the young and old. We only need to get a powerful northern candidate for him, and he is good to go,” an NWC member disclosed.
When quizzed on how the narrative moved from talks about the chances of Atiku working together with Peter Obi, who many thought would defect from the Labour Party in the wake of the leadership crisis rocking his party, the PDP chieftain said the former LP candidate was not willing to take the bait.
He said, “On Obi, I can tell you he has not made up his mind to come to the PDP. If he decides today, the equation may change. For now, he is still with the Labour Party.”
Meanwhile, Makinde has openly declared that he is qualified to contest and would push for the 2027 presidential election agenda when the time is right.
Speaking with reporters during a visit to Fashola farm in Oyo town on Friday, Makinde stated that speculations about his political future were unnecessary and unsolicited.
The governor stated that “he is old enough to speak for himself on any issue without fear or intimidation,” adding that he would do so publicly if he had anything to say about his political future.
The governor also cautioned Nigerians against allowing the country to slide into a one-party state.
Efforts to get the reaction of the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and the deputy spokesman, Abdullahi Ibrahim, were unsuccessful.
When contacted, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, declined to comment on the intrigue.
But the former VP’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, told The PUNCH that they were not under any form of pressure over the choice of Makinde as was being speculated.
According to him, people should focus on how Nigerians would overcome the current hardship in the land, rather than talk about who should be given the presidential ticket for 2027.
He said, “Who is threatened? We are talking about how Nigerians will survive the economic problems they are facing, some people about 2027. Is it not too early? We are concerned about the welfare of Nigerians. We are not bothered about their machinations.
“It is only a man who doesn’t have the interest of Nigerians at heart that will be talking about 2027, especially when people are dying every day. We are not ready for that drama.”
MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom operator, has stressed the urgent need for the telecommunications sector to return to profitability to sustain its operations.
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN, Karl Toriola, made this known on Monday during a tour of MTN’s facilities by Fellows of the Media Innovation Programme in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The MTN chief, who has about 78 million subscribers under his watch, pinpointed that the sector has been accumulating significant losses and that immediate action is necessary to reverse this trend.
The operator with a corporate social investment of N2.6bn, according to its 2023 Sustainability Report, is now surviving on the profits it accumulated in about two decades.
“We must return the industry to profitability,” he stated, emphasising the necessity for reform.
He further elaborated that the company is currently operating on its reserves, which he described as unsustainable in the long run.
Earlier this year, telecom operators renewed calls for a tariff hike—the first increase in 11 years—to address rising operational costs and improve service quality. Without such adjustments, they argued, financial viability and service standards will continue to decline.
Toriola reiterated that the sector faces critical pressures from rising operational costs, including escalating diesel prices required to power base transceiver stations.
He warned, “There should be no delusion; if the tariff doesn’t go up, we will shut down,” underscoring the urgent need for tariff adjustments to reflect economic realities.
Toriola noted that MTN, once one of Nigeria’s top corporate taxpayers, has seen its tax contributions decline as a result of these financial challenges.
Reflecting on their first-quarter results, MTN and Airtel have adopted a cautious approach to capital expenditure for 2024.
Meanwhile, the two other mobile operators in the country, 9mobile and Globacom, are not publicly listed.
In 2024, MTN Nigeria reported a staggering N519.1bn loss in the first half of the year, primarily due to foreign exchange losses stemming from the naira’s devaluation and high inflation rates.
Speaking further, Toriola also warned that it may suspend Unstructured Supplementary Service Data banking services due to the N250bn debt owed by Nigerian banks.
The mobile network operator is seeking regulatory approval to halt support for USSD services used for banking transactions unless the debt is resolved and tariffs are adjusted to reflect the economic realities.
However, Toriola expressed optimism that the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, would intervene to help resolve the ongoing financial crisis.
He concluded by stressing the critical role the telecom industry plays in supporting Nigeria’s economy, urging the government and regulators to act quickly to prevent the dire consequences of inaction.
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), on Monday, said the toxicology report and other forensic analysis conducted in the United States on the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, alias Mohbad, is out.
He said the autopsy report is now with the Lagos State Pathologist, as well as the coroner magistrate.
Pedro revealed this at a press conference while answering questions from journalists on the upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting and commemoration of his first year in office, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said, “On the Mohbad case, yes, I agree there has been a delay, and the delay is caused by time taken for investigation.
“Forensic, analysis, toxicology, all these are part of the investigation. Full proof investigation that can lead at least to conviction in a case that is presented before the courts.”
The Attorney General explained that the forensic examination would not have been done in the United States if the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre had not been burnt during the #EndSARS protest of October 2020.
Speaking on the case of a female lawyer, Otike-Odibi, who killed her lawyer husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, and cut off his manhood, the AG said the matter suffered delay because the case file was among documents that got burnt when the Igbosere High Court was burnt by EndSARS protesters, also in 2020.
He further added that the matter had been reassigned to a new judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, following the retirement of the trial judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye.
He, however, said henceforth, no case would be allowed to last more than 24 months in court.
According to him, a bill for the enactment of the Administration of Civil Justice Law had been forwarded to the state House of Assembly for legislative process.
Pedro said that when the bill was passed into law, litigation in trial courts should not last more than 18 to 24 months and tenancy matters between three to six months.
“The idea is to ensure that no tenant owes his landlord or the landlord is ejecting his tenant when a matter is before the court.
“Notices would be given but we would not allow it to be used as an instrument of oppression by either the tenant or landlord,” he said.
He said no tenant would be allowed to go away with his landlord’s money because the matter was in court.
Pedro said that in the Criminal Justice System, delays in DPP legal advice and prosecution had been addressed.
He added that the Lagos State Criminal Information System had been established to capture photographs and biometrics and identify the cases of all inmates in the correctional centres in the state.
Pedro listed other innovations introduced to include the bill for the establishment of the Lis Pendens Registry on land matters.
“The registry aims to serve as a repository of information on land disputes in our courts to prevent instances of purchase of land that is subject to litigation by unsuspecting purchasers without notice.
“This initiative will not only reduce incidents of third-party interests arising from ongoing court cases but also enhance confidence in real-estate investment within the state,” he said.
Pedro disclosed that another Bill being proposed is the Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry for the registration of customary marriages and dissolution of customary marriages.
He stated that this would give the people of Lagos State the opportunity to have customary marriage certificates and certificates of dissolution of customary marriages.
The AG noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved funds for the completion and furnishing of the JIC Taylor Magistrate Court House at Igbosere and the payment of 34 flats official quarters for the magistrates.
He announced the upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
He said the meeting would strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve the enforcement of laws throughout Lagos State.
“This gathering is a direct response to the insights gained from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May, where key stakeholders identified the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination within the justice system.
“One of the summit’s primary recommendations was to convene this strategic meeting to elevate the standards of justice and ensure that justice is not merely an ideal but a tangible reality for all residents of Lagos State.
“The meeting will provide a critical platform for engaging with various stakeholders towards harmonising MDA operations to improve service delivery and reduce government liability exposure in land administration, physical planning and environmental management,” he said.
The Pan African Business Forum (AABF) has appointed former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as chairman of the the Judicial Review and Transformation of African Committees for the initial renewable term of two years.
Malami served as AGF for eight years in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami’s appointment was contained in a press statement signed by the Chairman of Pan African Business Forum Dr Ladislas Prosper Agbesi and issued to Journalists by the National Publicity Secretary of Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiatives, Ibrahim Abubakar Jombali in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the statement, the appointment was sequel to the Executive Committee Annual General Board meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa between August 27 to 29th 2024.
The statement added that other appointments approved along with that of Dr Abubakar Malami SAN, during the Annual Board meeting includes that of Pierre Marcel Bonnard as the Executive for New Technology and that of His Excellency Gabriel Mbaga Lima as the Chairman of the Energy and Oil & Gas Infrastructure Committee of PABF.
The statement further indicates that the appointment of the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, reflects his extensive experience in legal advocacy, governance, and his firm commitment to the principles of justice and development across Africa.
As Chairman, Malami will be responsible for overseeing key judicial reviews, ensuring legal standards are maintained, and advising on significant judicial matters within the organization’s member countries.