APC Chairman Links Poverty to Rising Insecurity

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described poverty as a major factor fueling insurgency, kidnapping, and insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 20th Anniversary Convention and Award Night of the Plateau State Association in the United States of America (PSA-USA) in Lanham, Maryland, Yilwatda said 63 percent of Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty.

Represented by Dr. Patrick Dakum, the APC chairman stressed that security challenges cannot be solved through force alone. “Only 30 percent of security lies with military action, while 70 percent depends on education, skills, and good governance,” he said.

He commended the launch of the R64 Diaspora Campaign Fund, an initiative aimed at rehabilitating and resettling displaced persons across 17 local government areas and 64 wards in Plateau State. According to him, the effort has provided relief to internally displaced persons (IDPs), restored hope, and enhanced Nigeria’s global image.

PSA-USA President, Dr. Bartholomew Shepkong, hailed the campaign as a bold step towards long-term recovery for IDPs while highlighting the association’s contributions in education, humanitarian relief, and cultural preservation. He said the next phase of the association’s journey must focus on “transformation and impact.”

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Naanlong Daniel, called for stronger collaboration between lawmakers and the diaspora, while the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, praised the association’s resilience and urged sustained contributions to Plateau’s development.

The two-day anniversary featured the launch of the R64 Diaspora Campaign Fund, cultural showcases, networking sessions, and awards recognising excellence in education, entrepreneurship, humanitarian work, public service, and diaspora leadership.