Over 25% of Hawkers and House-helps in Major Nigerian Cities are from Ebonyi, Says Chief Mgbada

Chief Okey Mgbada, a candidate in the upcoming local government election in Ebonyi State, has revealed that more than 25% of street hawkers, house-helps, and individuals engaged in menial jobs in major Nigerian cities like Abuja and Lagos are natives of Ebonyi State.

Chief Mgbada expressed his concern over this trend, highlighting the dangers faced by these street hawkers, including fatalities caused by hit-and-run drivers. He called for a concerted effort from local government administrators to tackle this issue.

“Most of the problems the local government faces stem from a disconnect between elected officials and the people they serve,” Mgbada said. “These officials live far from the communities they govern and are unaware of the people’s plights, such as the lack of potable water, electricity, healthcare, and quality education.”

Mgbada lamented the lack of essential services and the high cost of living, which he said forces many young people to leave their homes in search of better opportunities in cities, where they often end up hawking on dangerous roads.

“It is disheartening that we have ample resources that could improve lives, yet these resources often do not translate into better living conditions for the people. We frequently hear of billions being released, but the impact on people’s lives remains negligible,” he noted.

He stressed that the absence of proper schools, healthcare systems, and affordable living conditions pushes the youth towards a “get-rich-quick” mentality, leading many to become domestic workers or street hawkers in other states. “This has tarnished our reputation,” Mgbada concluded.