Amidst the ongoing economic hardship facing Nigerians, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to empowering citizens through policies and programmes aimed at reducing poverty and alleviating suffering across the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan, made this statement during an event to commemorate the 2024 International Day for Eradication of Poverty, held in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by the Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Odii Ndubuisi Barry, the Permanent Secretary emphasized that skills acquisition programmes are key to reducing unemployment in the country.
The event, themed “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment, Acting Together for a Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Society,” trained over 100 participants in various skills, including Make-up Artistry, Catering, Paint Making, CCTV Installation, and Solar System setup.
While advising Nigerians against over-reliance on the government, the Permanent Secretary called for collective efforts toward poverty reduction and job creation in Nigeria.
He also advised that stakeholders explore alternative means to reduce poverty in their communities.
“We gather today to acknowledge the resilience and strength of those living in poverty. We recognize their daily struggles, resourcefulness, and unwavering hope for a better tomorrow. However, it is important to note that poverty is not solely an individual issue but a systemic problem perpetuated by inequality, discrimination, favoritism, social injustice, and more.
“Poverty remains a daunting challenge in our nation. Previous statistics show that the multidimensional poverty index survey stands at 63%, with 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty. The effects of economic turbulence, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global crises have compounded these challenges, creating an urgent need for decisive action”, he said.
Enitan further stressed that the government must continue investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to create opportunities and break the cycle of poverty. He also highlighted the need to address income inequality through progressive taxation, fair labor practices, and social safety nets.
“We must empower marginalized communities through inclusive policies and participatory governance, such as the one we are implementing today. It is crucial to foster an economic environment that enables sustainable jobs and promotes entrepreneurship. Job creation must go hand-in-hand with the development of skills tailored to the demands of our rapidly changing economy.”
He also reaffirmed government’s efforts to partner with the private sector and create a conducive business environment.
Speaking on the economic challenges currently faced by Nigerians, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Delu Bulus-Yakubu, urged citizens to remain calm and support the policies of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, stating that these policies are steps toward greater progress for the country.
She also encouraged the trainees to make the most of the skills they have acquired and to pass on their knowledge to others.
One of the beneficiaries, Israel Oyewo, who was trained in CCTV and solar installation, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. Oyewo, an undergraduate student at the University of Ilorin, noted that with the skills he acquired, he would be less reliant on white-collar jobs after graduation.
