Professor Damian Graham Emeh Mbaegbu, a business management at Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), has revealed that mass poverty in Nigeria is a self-inflicted wound driven by a combination of leadership failure, corruption, and societal complacency.
Prof. Mbaegbu made this disclosure on Friday, October 24, at the 26th Inaugural Lecture of Igbinedion University, Okada.
Delivering his inaugural lecture titled: “The Incidence of Mass Poverty in Nigeria: A Case of Self-Inflicted Injury on the People by the People”, Prof. Mbaegbu call for urgent political restructuring, economic diversification, and attitudinal changes to alleviate the sufferings of over 80% of Nigerians living in poverty.
Prof. Mbaegbu posited that Nigeria, a country rich in human and natural resources should not be grappling with widespread poverty. He emphasized that the responsibility for this economic malaise lies with both the leadership and the citizenry.
“Poverty in Nigeria is an affliction on the people of Nigeria by the people of Nigeria themselves,” Mbaegbu said.
He stated that factors such as corruption, ignorance, and religious extremism have contributed significantly to the country’s economic challenges.
“Unfortunately, because of economic mismanagement arising from poor leadership with mental poverty, corruption, ethnic jingoism etc., Nigerian leaders have not been able to deliver on their promises. Unfortunately again, the poor leadership has received tacit support and complacency from the followerhip,” he said.
Citing evidence of bad governance, Mbaegbu pointed out the failure of Nigeria’s five refineries, mismanagement in the electricity sector despite high consumer bills, and the excessive consumption culture during celebrations as key drivers of poverty.
He warned that the consequences of mass poverty, including insecurity, the threat to foreign investment, and separatist agitations, are already visible and will worsen if not addressed.
While highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty through agricultural initiatives and economic diversification, Prof. Mbaegbu stressed the need to equip Nigerians with skills rather than cash handouts. He noted that sustainable development lies in empowering citizens to fend for themselves and contribute to economic growth.
“The leadership style has to change. Buccaneers in government have to change to transformational leaders. The followers have to change also and become responsible and committed followers…..Poverty will not be eradicated by all night prayers,” he said.
Drawing from personal experience, he revealed that his passion for the topic stemmed from his own struggles with poverty earlier in life.
He concluded the lecture with advice for Nigerians seeking better economic opportunities: “Don’t stay with one employer. The grass is greener on the other side; a rolling stone gathers no moss—that’s not true”.
Speaking with the journalists Prof. Mbaegbu advised Nigerians to try as much as possible to work for themselves.
“If you work for the government you are acivil servant, if you work for a public cooperation, you are public servant, if you work for an individual, you are a servant, servant is servant, but to have a break from poverty, work for yourself”.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye in his welcome address expressed his pleasure in the celebration and the importance of an inaugural lecture stating, “This event is a celebration of intellectual achievement and a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and innovative research.
“Today we come together to celebrate not only the achievement of our esteemed speaker but also the vibrant academic community that fosters such excellence”.
