Metro

Nigeria has highest number of homeless people in the world— Report

Published

1 year ago

October 5, 2023

A new data released by the World Population Review (WPR) has listed Nigeria as the top country in the world with the highest number of homeless people.

In the data released on Wednesday as part of WPR’s outlook on population growth for the year, it noted that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, had continued to grapple with a significant homeless population due to several intertwined factors.

The review stated that the homeless situation in Nigeria stemmed from a combination of factors including high poverty rate, with an estimated over 40% of Nigerians living below the national poverty line, making it difficult for many to access basic necessities like shelter.

“Rapid population growth, at around 2.6% annually, strains the country’s resources, including housing,” it said.

“Homelessness is a global problem, with millions of people around the world living without a safe and stable place to call home. Some countries are more affected by homelessness than others,” the accompanying report said.

“In contrast, urbanization and rapid population growth contribute to homelessness in major African cities, where the scarcity of affordable housing creates significant challenges.

“But the root cause of homelessness in Africa is multifaceted. Economic hardships, unemployment, natural disasters, eviction, social factors, political and legal challenges, and a scarcity of affordable housing, are all on the list.

“Homelessness can be attributed to various factors, such as poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and the scarcity of affordable housing in many countries, all of which contribute to the problem.

“Homelessness can have a devastating impact, leading to increased health issues, vulnerability to violence, social isolation, and educational challenges for both individuals and families.

“While the core causes of homelessness are complicated and numerous, coordinated actions at the local, national, and international levels are required to give people in need shelter, dignity, and hope. We can work toward a society where everyone has a place to call home by tackling the underlying conditions that lead to homelessness,” the report added.

A list of the top 10 countries with the highest homelessness rates in 2023, according to data from World Population Review, reveals below:

Nigeria: 24,400,000
Pakistan: 20,000,000
Egypt: 12,000,000
Syria: 6,568,000
DR Congo: 5,332,000
Bangladesh: 5,000,000
Colombia: 4,943,000
Afghanistan: 4,660,000
Philippines: 4,500,000
Yemen: 3,858,000

Related Topics:Featured Homeless Nigeria Poverty World Population Review

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Metro

Following backlash, Nigerian govt withdraws treason charges against minors

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian government has officially withdrawn the treason charges it entered against some minors who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest that spread across the country from August 1 to the 10th.

The nation was thrown into shock on Friday when the Nigeria Police presented 76 protesters at the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on treason. Among the suspects were four minors who slumped before they could be arraigned before the court.

This caused serious uproar in the country with Nigerians condemning the government and calling for the unconditional release of the kids and the dismissal of the charges against them.

The decision to withdraw the charges against the underage accused came following a directive by President Bola Tinubu who ordered the immediate withdrawal of the charges and an in-depth investigation into what led to the arrest and detention of the minors.

Tinubu had also ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) to officially take over the case file as well as review the cases following public outcry that came with the arraignment of the minors.

The charges were finally withdrawn on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja through an application for discontinuance filled by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the AGF.

According to Abubakar, the discontinuance application was based on provisions of sections 174(1), (b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015.

The DPPF also applied for further proceedings to be conducted without the presence of the minors in the courtroom, in line with provisions of Section 266(b) of the ACJA, 2015, and Section 1 of the Childs’ Rights Act.

In response, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Fanala (SAN), who stood in for the accused as well as other defence lawyers in the matter, did not oppose the applications which promoted the judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, to strike out the charges, while the four affected minors were also delisted from the charge sheet.

Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

Published

18 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.