The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a brighter future for all Nigerians, pledging continued efforts to lift millions out of poverty.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a brighter future for all Nigerians, pledging continued efforts to lift millions out of poverty.
Speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with the Solidarity Empowerment Club (SEC) to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Mr. Abel Enitan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reassured Nigerians of the government’s dedication to creating opportunities for all.
Represented by the Ministry’s Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Odii Ndubisi Barry, Mr. Enitan stated, “Together, we can transform our society, uplift the impoverished, and pave the way for a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
The event, which was held under the theme “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment, Acting Together for a Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Society,” emphasized the government’s efforts to combat poverty through various programs.
Mr. Enitan highlighted initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including job creation, youth empowerment, and the provision of skills training. “The government remains proactive in eradicating poverty through programs such as the National Social Investment Program, the National Senior Citizens Centre, and the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” he said.
He also mentioned the government’s initiatives to reduce transportation costs through Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and support for agriculture and infrastructure development.
In collaboration with SEC, the Ministry has also launched training programs for over 100 participants in skills such as cosmetology, solar system installation, and catering, with plans to expand the initiative across the country. “Eradicating poverty is not just a task for the government; it is a moral imperative for us all. Let us stand together in solidarity and action, committed to making poverty a thing of the past,” Mr. Enitan concluded, calling on all stakeholders to join hands in building a prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Founder, Solidarity Empowerment Club (SEC), Engineer Chukwuemeka Okezie, represented by Precious Cheche, outlined the club’s vision to address Nigeria’s escalating poverty crisis. “The urgency of the humanitarian crisis we face cannot be overstated. “With millions grappling with the harsh realities of poverty, the need for concerted action has never been more pressing,” Okezie said.
According to him, the SEC’s plan is centered on a comprehensive approach that includes skills acquisition, scholarships, and small and medium enterprise (SME) funding, all aimed at empowering Nigerians to build sustainable livelihoods. “We aim to complement the efforts of the President, state, and local governments.
“As part of the launch, SEC began training over 100 underserved Nigerians in practical skills that will help them gain meaningful employment. “Equipping our citizens with relevant skills is paramount in today’s rapidly changing world,” Okezie added.
Okezie called for solidarity among government, civil society, and the private sector to collectively tackle Nigeria’s poverty challenges. “Together, we can create a sustainable framework for poverty alleviation,” he concluded.
Israel Oyewo, one of the beneficiaries trained on CCTV and Solar Installation testified,”Am grateful for the opportunity to be here, we have really learnt a lot so far so good. I feel like this is just the beginning if government can help us more it will go a long way, so, this is just the beginning, this is the foundation.
“I am presently learning CCTV and Solar panels solutions, it is just a matter time I get all the necessary knowledge, before I had a little knowledge but this has broadened my knowledge, it has really expanded my knowledge.”
On his background, Oyewo said,” Am a student of university of Ilorin currently in 200 level studying biology. My Mum has always encouraged me that am a youth that I should gain knowledge in different things, that I not just focus on one particular root.
“Am grateful for this opportunity for me and other youths to learn. If this is duplicated all over the country poverty will be alleviated, because the youths are looking for something to engage in, and if they are able to encourage us, everyone will have something to do, and from there we can take care of our families.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Delu Bulus-Yakubu, commended the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry for organizing the auspicious event, as she assured that the President Bola Tinubu’s is working assiduously to cushion the harsh impact of the prevailing economic hardship on Nigerians.
She said,”Today, as we celebrate the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I want to commend our ministry for organizing this great event.I want to take this opportunity to advise the youths not to take this opportunity for granted, they should know that many are out there looking for opportunities like this, so, please use it judiciously. Also, I want to use this platform to plead with Nigerians
“I want to assure Nigerians today that the present administration is trying hard in implementing so many policies
to cushion the impact of the hardship on Nigerians.”
