All hands must be on deck to eradicate poverty in Nigeria – Stakeholders By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

2 months ago

October 19, 2024

All hands must be on deck to eradicate poverty in Nigeria – Stakeholders

By Ifeoma Ikem

Some stakeholders urged that all hands must be on deck to help pull Nigeria out of extreme poverty.

They made the call at the International World Peace Advocate (IAWPA) event to commemorate the 2024 World Poverty day in Lagos.

The UNDP had reported that more than one billion people are living in acute poverty across the globe and that Nigeria is the second to the last.

Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, a guest speaker at the event noted that the major root of poverty is the deprivation of people’s access to basic necessities.

He said that the poor in Nigeria keep struggling for basic needs and there is no solution in sight to lift them out of extreme poverty.

“The poverty level across all the country is alarming, for the giant of Africa to overtake India, a country seven times its population is so worrisome.

`”We need to expand our economic opportunities and embrace technology which will end poverty in Nigeria.

“Technology will help to improve the country’s economic productivity and opportunities for its citizens.

He called for more investment in human capital to create more jobs for women and young people.

“We have to get the mind, which is a place of moral and educate the hands, which is where skills take place.

“So that if you can’t get something to do with your head, you can find something to do with your heart.

“If you can’t find something to do with your mind, you can get something to do with your hands, he added.

He urged the government to increase access to financial opportunities to people in the rural communities and advance technological innovations across the nation.

Amb Prof Chidi Eheriodo, the Director of IAWPA said Nigerian need to come home to restructure, promote and develop the youth with skills and mega resources.

” Youths are the future of the country, now is the time for us to salvage the nation.

“No one is going to do it for us, we have to come together, reason together and forget about palliatives’’.

HRM Dr Eberechukwu Kanu Oji in his goodwill message noted that poverty is a challenge that needs to be tackled or it will tackle us.

“About 4.29million people are living in extreme poverty and Nigeria has the largest number in Africa.

“With deep sense of responsibility as a royal father, with all these information, they show that this is the best time to act.

“In the 19 communities in Arochukwu, Abia state, we have a special youth empowerment programme where all the youth get grants.

“The programme is to empower youths and eradicate poverty, when the youths are empowered, there would be no reason for them not to succeed and the future secured’’.

He reiterated that when youths are empowered, their future is guaranteed.

“Work is going on in my communities; we are constantly giving orientation to youths on the importance of sport, fighting drugs and cultism.

“Most importantly, we train them to become leaders in the society. If other zones would emulate our programmes, poverty would be reduced to the barest minimum, he added

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: ‘End Poverty, Save Lives'”

Published

20 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"

NASRE Demands Action as Food Stampede Tragedies Expose Systemic Failures”

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has condemned the rising death toll from food queue stampedes, which claimed 67 lives across Nigeria in just four days, labeling it a “heartbreaking reflection of systemic failures.”

In a statement on Monday, NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, described the tragedies as a grim consequence of worsening poverty and the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

The group first mourned the victims of a December 18 stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children tragically lost their lives.

“This horrific incident highlights the dire need for better planning and safety measures at public events, especially those involving children,” Owodunni stated.

NASRE also expressed sorrow over the deaths of 10 people, including children, during a food aid distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja. Offering condolences to affected families, the group described the incident as a “wake-up call for the nation’s conscience.”

The association further decried the fatal stampede at a rice distribution event in Anambra that killed 22 people and injured 32 others, calling for immediate reforms in the management of relief efforts.

“These tragedies paint a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and failing social support systems. Acts of charity should not lead to preventable deaths. The government must revamp its approach to palliative distribution to prioritize safety and dignity,” Owodunni emphasized.

NASRE stressed that the root cause of such tragedies is deep-seated poverty and urged the government and private organizations to implement sustainable solutions.

“No Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of food or assistance. This is a national disgrace and a call to action for all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” the statement concluded

society

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

society

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.