FG lauds LAPO’s commitment to poverty eradication in Nigeria

The Federal Government has commended the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) for its tireless efforts in poverty alleviation, particularly through its innovative ‘SHEEP’ programs in Nigeria.

The Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics(DPHRS), Dr Kamil Shoretire, made the commendation in his goodwill message at the LAPO’s Development Forum themed, “Paradox of Poverty in a Wealthy Nation: Policy Issues and Perspectives”

The theme aims to demands critical policy reforms and nuanced perspectives to address disparities, ensure resource allocation, and bridge economic and social gaps, ultimately eradicating poverty and promoting equitable wealth distribution in Nigeria.

Shoretire who represented the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate, highlighted the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare’s dual initiatives of the Healthcare Expansion Programme and retraining 120,000 frontline health workers serving rural populations.

These efforts, he said, aim to strengthen healthcare capacities, ensure equitable distribution of healthcare workers, and prioritise healthcare for a robust economy.

He said, “LAPO’s commitment to poverty eradication has been unwavering, demonstrated through its implementation of innovative programs across the country.

“The present government is making remarkable progress in unlocking healthcare value chains, expanding access to primary healthcare, health insurance, and ensuring health human resources to improve patient outcomes.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare, focusing on maternal and child health, disease prevention, and health systems strengthening through Universal Health Coverage.

He, therefore, urges participants to center discussions on health for a healthier, wealthier nation as he described health as fundamental human right and crucial for national security.

Earlier, the Founder and the CEO of LAPO, Godwin Ehigiamusoe, explained that over the years, the Forum has attracted thought leaders and policymakers, who have provided insights and prescriptions for addressing the myriads of our development challenges.

While speaking further, he noted that the Nigerian Economy and the Poor: 1984-1994, which was the theme of its first edition in 1994, remains relevant today.

He added, “For over three decades, development scholars and practitioners have been bewildered by the paradox of wide spread poverty in a nation immensely endowed with human and natural resources.

“In this 31st edition, we are expected to provide further insights into this puzzle. The challenge of poverty is enormous.

“Extreme poverty can only be addressed by a combination of policy and economic reforms; effective social protection initiatives and frameworks for social and economic empowerment of the poor.

“Doing this will require the collective involvement of government and non-governmental entities.”

He also disclosed that Lift Above Poverty Organization-LAPO has for over three decades been addressing the various dimensions of poverty on its own.

“Millions of Nigerians and Sierra Leoneans have benefited from financial products. LAPO has pioneered micro-insurance and micro-leasing in Nigeria.

“Benin Medical Care Limited, its medical and diagnostic facility in Benin has contributed to the enhancement of the health status of many Nigerians. LAPO’s Community-based Cancer project has been widely acclaimed,” he added.

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