Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a former presidential candidate, has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to prioritize poverty alleviation in the state upon his return to power after the six months suspension. Rivers State can’t wait to welcome you back!
This is because according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025, Rivers State is currently ranked 23rd in Nigeria in terms of multidimensional poverty, with approximately 62.4% of its population living in poverty. This translates to around 4.4 million people out of an estimated 7.47 million inhabitants as given by the Cable recently on September 8, 2025:
1. Sokoto: 90.5%
2. Bayelsa: 88.5%
3. Gombe: 86.2%
4. Jigawa: 84.3%
5. Plateau: 84%
6. Yobe: 83.5%
7. Kebbi: 82.2%
8. Taraba: 79.4%
9. Ebonyi: 78%
10. Zamfara: 78%
11. Cross River: 75.4%
12. Benue: 75%
13. Bauchi: 73.9%
14. Kaduna: 73.9%
15. Katsina: 72.7%
16. Borno: 72.5%
17. Akwa Ibom: 71.3%
18. Niger: 69.1%
19. Adamawa: 68.7%
20. Ogun: 68.1%
21. Kano: 66.3%
22. Enugu: 63.1%
23. Rivers: 62.4%
24. Kogi: 61.3%
25. Nasarawa: 60.7%
26. Oyo: 48.7%
27. Kwara: 48.3%
28. FCT: 48.3%
29. Delta: 47.6%
30. Imo: 40.7%
31. Osun: 40.7%
32. Ekiti: 36%
33. Edo: 35.4%
34. Anambra: 32.1%
35. Abia: 29.8%
36. Lagos: 29.4%
37. Ondo: 27.2%
(Note: #TheCableIndex its population living in multidimensional poverty.)
It is advisable to embrace some successful initiatives in other states, such as Cross River’s poverty reduction program, which disbursed over N1.6 billion to communities, which could serve as a model for Rivers State. By adopting a multi-faceted approach and prioritizing the needs of its residents, Rivers State can work towards reducing poverty and improving the living standards of its citizens .
Professor Adesanya-Davies emphasized that Governor Fubara’s administration must focus on implementing policies and programs that will address the root causes of poverty in Rivers State especially in the educational sector because the time is now short. “The Professor should be paid very well as the state judges, because of the educational allocation from the federation’s disbursement,” she upholds.
As a technocrat leader, it is imperative that Governor Fubara takes concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of the people of Rivers State. “We need to see tangible results in terms of job creation, good salary payment infrastructure development, and social welfare programs that benefit the most vulnerable members of our society,” she stated.
Adesanya-Davies further noted that Rivers State has immense potential for economic growth, given its rich natural resources and strategic location. However, she lamented that despite these advantages, the state continues to struggle with high levels of poverty and unemployment. “It is time for Governor Fubara to demonstrate his commitment to the welfare of the people of Rivers State by developing and implementing effective poverty reduction strategies, it’s unfair that Rivers State ranks 23rd out of 37 states in Nigeria, with a staggering 62.4% of its population living in multidimensional poverty.” She added.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies urged Governor Fubara to learn from best practices in other states and countries, and to engage with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, community leaders, and the private sector, to develop a comprehensive poverty reduction plan for Rivers State.
“We believe that with the right policies and leadership, Rivers State can move from its current ranking of 23rd to a much better position, where the majority of its citizens enjoy a decent standard of living. We challenge Governor Fubara to rise to this challenge and make poverty alleviation a top priority in his administration,” she concluded.
Signed
Nuhu Agum, SSA, PMACO
For Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Former Presidential Candidate
