FG restates commitment to poverty alleviation

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Abel Enitan, on Thursday, reiterated the present administration’s resolve towards building a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all Nigerians in its quest towards eradicating the scourge of poverty across the country.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan gave the assurance in Abuja during the empowerment programme organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, to commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty ceremony, with the theme: ‘Ending social and institutional maltreatment: Acting together for a just, peaceful, and inclusive society’.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Director Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Mr. Odii Ndubisi Barry observed that the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty as established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 47/196, was dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action to combat poverty worldwide.

He said: This year’s theme, aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to uplifting its citizens and combating poverty in all its forms, consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 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.

“In line with SDG Goal 1, officially worded as ‘No Poverty’, the Federal Government of Nigeria is 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; strengthening the agricultural sector to bolster food security.

Creation of the institutional framework via the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to mobilise efforts across the nation and internationally to reduce the high incidence of poverty in the country.

“Aside from engaging with varied stakeholders to pursue the appropriate policies, programmes and projects to bring succour 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.

“Also within the above mentioned institutional arrangement, the FG is: Promoting socio-economic inclusion for persons with disabilities through the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

“Addressing the needs of Senior Citizens through the establishment of the National Senior Citizens Centre. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, several additional initiatives have been launched to further improve the socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians: promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a more affordable alternative energy source for mass transportation; and implementation of a consumer credit scheme and a Student loan program to ease financial burdens.”

Other initiatives include: Support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and youth empowerment programs, particularly in the creative and ICT sectors; strengthened efforts to combat insecurity and corruption; initiatives to improve the ease of doing business and refine fiscal and monetary policies for greater efficiency; enhancements in tax administration to boost revenue for development projects; raising the national minimum wage to improve workers’ purchasing power: promotion of vocational training and job creation opportunities, especially for unemployed youth; encouragement of local government autonomy to enhance governance at the grassroots level, mobilizing local communities for socio-economic development.

He also reiterated the present administration’s commitment towards increased investment in key sectors such as oil and gas, telecommunications, road, housing, and energy to improve service delivery and lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.”

As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable development, Mr. Enitan beckoned on 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 her remarks, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Delu Bulus-Yakubu who urged all the Trainees not to take the opportunity for granted, said: “as you all know thousands are out there looking for opportunities like this, so please use it judiciously.”

While acknowledging the harsh socio-economic development ravaging the country, Mrs. Bulus-Yakubu who urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, argued that “the hardship is global.”

She also solicited for 100 percent support for the present administration, in its bid “to see our country to the next level.

“I want to assure Nigerians today that the present administration is trying hard in implementing so many policies that will cushion the hardship in our dear country. Please, Nigerians let’s support this administration. Happy poverty alleviation day to us all.”

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