Expressing deep concern, Chief Mgbada highlighted that over 25 percent of these workers hail from Ebonyi State. He pointed out the dire consequences faced by these individuals, including fatalities caused by hit-and-run drivers. He urged local government officials to take immediate and collective action to address this pressing issue.

Chief Mgbada, an APC chieftain, criticized the disconnect between local government leaders and the people they serve. He noted, "Most of the problems the local government faces stem from the lack of connection with the downtrodden. Elected officers live far from the communities they govern and are unaware of the people's struggles."

He further elaborated on the hardships faced by young people in the state, "Once children turn 10, they often migrate to cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt to hawk goods on dangerous expressways, risking their lives."

Chief Mgbada emphasized the irony of Ebonyi's resource wealth compared to the poverty experienced by its residents. He lamented, "Despite hearing about billions of naira being released, there is no improvement in people's lives. Schools are inadequate, healthcare systems are poor, and the cost of living is high. How can the common man survive?"

He argued that these challenges drive young people towards quick-money schemes and into servitude in other states. "It’s heartbreaking that 25 percent of street hawkers in Lagos, Anambra, and other states are children from Ebonyi who should be in school. This situation tarnishes our state’s reputation," Chief Mgbada concluded.

He called for a reevaluation of resource allocation and a more people-centered approach to governance to improve the lives of Ebonyi State residents and prevent the youth from seeking risky livelihoods elsewhere.