Children losing lives over something as simple as Christmas gifts sign of poverty in Nigeria, Asks Peter Obi

By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA-ONIFADE

The former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has expressed his condolences over the tragic loss of lives in the recent Ibadan stampede.

In a statement, Obi lamented the fact that children, who represent the future of the nation, lost their lives while pursuing something as simple as Christmas gifts.

Obi attributed the calamity to the deep-seated inequalities, pervasive poverty, and desperation plaguing the nation.

He also criticized the failure of event planning, crowd control, and the fundamental duty to safeguard human lives.

The Labour Party chieftain emphasized the need to build a society where such incidents are unthinkable.

He stressed that a nation’s greatness is measured by its care for the vulnerable, and this moment should inspire Nigerians to create a safer, more inclusive society.

Obi concluded by saying that the country owes it to the deceased children to ensure that their deaths inspire lasting change.

“How did we as a people, reach a point where children-the very symbols of hope and the future-loose their lives in the pursuit of something as simple as Christmas gift? This calamity exposes the deep inequalities pervasive poverty and desperation afflicting our nation.

“It also reveals a broader failure in event planning, crowd control and the fundamental duty to safeguard human lives.

“As mourn this young lives, let us commit to building a society where such incidents are unthinkable.

“The measure of a nation greatness lies in the care of the vulnerable and this moment should inspire us to create a safer more inclusive Nigeria.

We owe it to these children to ensure their death inspire lasting change,” said Peter Obi.