The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has called on Stakeholders for more collaboration in other to reduce poverty to the barest minimum in Nigeria.
The call was made at the 2 weeks Empowerment Programme in commemoration of the 2024 International Day for Poverty Eradication, organized by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with a Nongovernmental Organization, Solidarity Empowerment Club, held on Thursday 17th October, 2024 at FESPAS Quarters Karu, Abuja.
The empowerment training included skills acquisition on Cosmetics, Paint manufacturing, Solar Panel/CCTV installation and Catering were organised for youths around Abuja Suburb.
In his Keynote Address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan represented by the Director Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Odii.N. Barry said, this year’s theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for a Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Society,” was aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uplift the Nigeria citizens from poverty.
Enitan pointed that, Poverty remains a global challenge addressed at both national and international levels, and as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the eradication of extreme poverty remains a top priority for Nigeria.
He explained that, Federal Government of Nigeria has been implementing a broad range of programs aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
These initiatives include; enhancing human capital development by expanding access to quality education and improving healthcare delivery, Promoting entrepreneurship through microfinance schemes and skills development programs and strengthening the agricultural sector to bolster food security.
“Aside from engaging with varied stakeholders to pursue the appropriate policies, programmes and projects to bring succor to the people steadily and incrementally over time in the face of daunting systemic challenges, the Ministry also oversights the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), purposely reinvigorated by the Federal Government to more effectively deliver social safety nets intervention programmes to vulnerable populations” He added.
The Permanent Secretary also informed that, Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, several additional initiatives had been launched to further improve the socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians, such as Promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a more affordable alternative energy source for mass transportation, Implementation of a consumer credit scheme and a student loan program to ease financial burdens and Support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and youth empowerment programs, particularly in the creative and ICT sectors.
He called on the stakeholders including international partners, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in the fight against poverty in all its dimensions in other to build together a just, equitable, and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Honourable Mrs Delu Bulus Yakubu commended the Ministry and the Solidarity Empowerment Club for the Skill acquisition provided the Youths to mark 2024 poverty eradication day. She called on Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policies that are aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians from poverty. Mrs Yakubu also advised the Participants to make use of what they have learnt from the programme to empower themselves and others.
The President and founder of Solidarity Empowerment Club, Chukwuemeka Okeke represented by the organization’s National Secretary, Ms. Precious Jeje pointed that, the humanitarian crisis faced by the citizens with millions struggling with the harsh realities of poverty prompted them to found a way of transform lives, create opportunities, and uplift communities across Nigeria.
“Our vision is ambitious yet essential to employ 10 million Nigerians each year through a multifaceted approach that includes skills acquisition training, undergraduate student scholarships, SME funding, business acceleration, and mandatory leadership training,“ he emphasized.
Okeke also explained that the programs were designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they needed to create sustainable livelihoods and also to equip them with relevant skills.
However he pledged their commitment to provide seed startup grants and essential equipment to the most promising individuals from the training programs.
Okeke in his word said Collaboration among government, civil society, private sector organizations, and community leaders could amplified impact and create a sustainable framework for poverty alleviation.
“The humanitarian crisis we face demands urgent action. We must mobilize our resources, expertise, and passion to address the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty. Every effort counts—every partnership strengthens our collective resolve “he concluded.
A female makeup trainee, Aisha Abdullahi on behalf of her co-trainees appreciated the Federal government and the NGO for providing the Empowerment Programme to youths of the community. She promised to set up her business and aspires to be an employer of labour.
Present at the event were Directors and staff of the Ministry, woman leader and elders of the Karu community, officials of the Solidarity Empowerment Club and the trainees.
High point of the event was the presentation of certificates of completion of the Empowerment Programme to the trainees.
Signed
Iliya Rhoda Ishaku
Deputy Director Information and Public Relations
