The Nation Newspaper

Tag: poverty

  • Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

    Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

    In Lagos, a social enterprise trains struggling women in slums to become financially independent micro entrepreneurs.

    By Praise Olowe for The Nation

    The slums of Lagos are dotted with single-parent households, most of them headed by strong-willed women facing widespread discrimination as a result of divorce, separation or widowhood.

    Patriarchal societies and deep-rooted traditions have made life here pretty hard for women going solo. According to UN Women, African widows are among the most vulnerable and discriminated-against women in the world. In Nigeria, widowhood isn’t just a question of heartache but often of losing property, land and any money saved prior to a husband’s death.

    What’s more, in the developing world women are 20 percent less likely than men to have a bank account, being frequently turned away by financial institutes simply because of their gender—and the rate is much higher for widows and single mothers. Getting credit is also extremely difficult. The reality is that for many of these single-parent households, mothers are obliged to turn to their children to help prop up the weekly household income, with much of the responsibility falling on daughters—perpetuating gender-specific poverty.

    This was the case for Nkem Okocha, whose widowed mother struggled to support her four children, “I had to hawk goods in the Lagos markets to make money to pay for my exam fees,” said Okocha. Still, she was luckier than most; when someone gave her mother money out of pity, she didn’t spend it right away; instead, she invested it, buying vegetables she later sold at a profit. With that small gift of money, she had effectively launched a micro business, using profits to support her family and re-investing money into more goods to sell. It was a valuable lesson for Okocha, who sold shampoo at the market to help her mother; later, she managed to get her university degree and a job at a bank.

    In 2013, she founded Mamamoni, a social enterprise that offers low-income women training in finance and vocational skills, and provides them with access to microcredit loans through mobile banking. “Our aim is to provide capital for those who cannot access it through commercial banks,” said Okocha. “Mamamoni was started out of empathy, I wanted to help women in my community. I saw them idle and their children staying at home because there was no money to send them to school.”

    Okocha, who also has experience in web and mobile development, took a page from the Kiva playbook, setting up a web platform to fund loans. “Socially conscious individuals can invest in low-income women by making loans to fund their businesses,” Okocha explained. They are invited to lend any amount from 10,000 to 100,000 Nigerian Naira (US $28 to $280) and may read over business plans prior to choosing the specific businesswoman they would like to invest in.

    Women who enroll in the programme learn vocations such as how to make soap, insecticides, pastries or handicrafts. They are provided with mobile phones at the beginning of their training, and funds are transferred from Mamamoni’s account to theirs. Mobile money is very common throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, and women can easily use their mobile phones to buy materials to set up their micro businesses. This process, Okocha explained, helps to bypass the discrimination many of these women have experienced at formal banking institutions.

    Staffed with just five women, Mamamoni’s impact has been impressive. To date, it has trained more than 4,000 Nigerian women and provided some 100 micro loans. The loan payback rate is nearly 100 percent, and more than 90 percent of those who have received training have started a business. And while selling soap or crafts may seem like petty trades to some, these simple businesses have provided a source of income that has enabled more than 7,800 children to go to school.

    One proud Mamamoni beneficiary is Beatrice Alihola, who is now able to send her young children to school thanks to the small business she set up in her community with funds and guidance from Okocha and her team. Prior to taking part in the programme, Alihola sold produce under a tarpaulin canopy at one of the local markets; during the rainy season, she frequently had little or no income. Now, with the assistance of microcredit, she is able to rent a small shop where she sells insecticide and kerosene, a much more stable source of income.

    An alumna of the 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, Okocha is eager to reach out to many more women like Alihola. She recently began working with teenagers, the idea being to empower the upcoming generation of Nigerian women as well. Soon, she plans to introduce the Mamamoni concept to 20 more Nigerian states, providing training and microcredit access to an additional 10,000 women—and breaking the cycle of poverty.

    http://mamamoni.org/

     

  • Reps task FG on extreme poverty eradication

    Reps task FG on extreme poverty eradication

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for effective implementation of programmes aimed at tackling extreme poverty in the country.

    The call was sequel to a unanimous adoption of an Urgent Motion of National Importance move by Rep. Muhammed Wudil (Kano-APC) at plenary.

    Moving the motion earlier, Wudil said UN General Assembly passed a resolution which adopted Oct. 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

    He said the 25th anniversary of the resolution was a wake-up call for governments across the world to rise up to the challenges of providing basic necessities of life.

    “Efforts of the Federal Government to eradicate poverty in Nigeria through the 2017 budgetary provision for the Special Intervention Fund to cater for unemployed youths, women empowerment and job creation has not impacted positively on the country,’’ he said.

    According to him, UN report on Nigeria’s Common Country Analysis (CCA) published in 2016 described the country as one of the poorest.

    The lawmaker said the report showed that over 80 million Nigerians or 64 per cent of the country’s population lived below 1.9 dollars a day.

    In his contribution, Rep. Mohammed Monguno (Borno-APC) said the North-East was the least developed zone in the country and that poverty was endemic in the zone.

    He said the only way to eradicate poverty in the zone was by conscious investment in agriculture for job and wealth creation.

    Also, Rep. Hulayat Omidiran (Osun-APC) said the South-West was equally feeling the pains of hardship.

    Omidiran said that the poverty in the land was unusual as the people now begged for food without shame, a situation hitherto, was unheard off in the zone.

    She said lawmakers representing the zone were also feeling the pinch of extreme poverty in the area.

    She therefore urged the Executive to ensure that the various poverty alleviation programmes got to the right beneficiaries.

    Also speaking, Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia-PDP) said that in dealing with poverty, there was need to address the basic issues of infrastructure.

    She said government must fix the roads, hospitals, schools and other social amenities needed to raise the standard of living.

    Onyejeocha said that in a situation where government could not increase salary, cost of schools and hospitals could be subsidised to address extreme poverty.

    She said the house must insist on 100 per cent budget implementation, adding that 30 per cent implementation was not acceptable.

    In his contribution, Rep. Wale Raji (Lagos-APC) said a situation where less than 10 per cent of the nation’s populations control over 90 per cent of national resources was unacceptable.

    He said there was need to take a critical look at the managers of the economy with a view to ensure optimum performance.

    Raji called for upward review of minimum wage as a means to address extreme poverty in the country.

    The house urged government to promote the establishment of small and medium enterprises and to ensure the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).

    NAN

  • As we commemorate the International day for the eradication of poverty

    As we commemorate the International day for the eradication of poverty

    Today, the International day for the eradication of poverty, is an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and struggles of people living in poverty and also give them a chance to make their concerns heard.

    No one expects to perpetuate in poverty, however, we will always have the poor around us. The onus now resides with the comfortable, affluent and the government to see that this scourge is totally obliterated.

    The observance of today, can be traced back to 17 October, 1987. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris, where the universal declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.

    They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day.

    Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on October 17th to renew their commitment and show solidarity towards the course.

    Participation of the poor themselves has been at the epi-centre of today’s celebration since its inception. The commemoration of this day also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to actively see to its eradication.

    Dear readers, we share a collective destiny; there is more binding us together than what separates us. It is high time we started to show empathy for those living below the breadline. They do not always need our pity or periodic pittance, but that we consciously join the campaign to see its extrication in our nation.

    Building a sustainable future requires us to intensify our efforts towards eradicating extreme poverty and discrimination, and ensure that everyone can fully exercise their human rights.

    The full participation of people living in poverty, particularly in the decisions that affect their lives and communities, must be at the centre of policies and strategies to build a sustainable future. This way, we can guarantee that our planet and our societies can fulfill the needs and aspirations of everyone.

  • NGO asks state to submit areas for intervention

    NGO asks state to submit areas for intervention

    A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) – Global Survival for Grassroots Development and Empowerment Initiative (GSGDI) has requested its members to propose areas, where their states need immediate economic intervention for the betterment of the citizenry. 

    The National Chairman, Hon. Olalekan Eshinlokun, who made this requests after the executive members of the organization took their oath of allegiance in Abuja, said that the United Nations (UN) has already asked his NGO to submit a N2.1billion for the purpose.

    Speaking with The Nation, he noted that GSGSDI was only requesting for N1.5billion to lift so many Nigerians from poverty.

    According to him, the organization will procure 30,000 wheel chairs for disabled Nigerians’ buy grinding machines for people, assist to take care of the sick people in the general hospitals across the nation. 

    His words: “some organizations outside the country said we should write a proposal of N2.1billion but we believe that is too much so we are just writing a proposal of N1.5billion to them to empower our people. 

    “We will use the money to buy grinding machines for people to grind pepper, to empower the women, youths and also buy 30,000 wheel chairs for the disabled . We will share about 500,000 wheel chairs to each state. We will also go to the general hospitals to assist the sick that are also in need. And we will intervene in other economic areas that the states will outline for assistance. 

    “Nigerians are suffering. The disabled people are suffering. Women are suffering. So we want this group to empower them.”

    He said that besides the UN, women in Canada, and almost 20 organizations outside Nigeria are supporting the GSGDI in its humanitarian service.

    Eshinlokun revealed that his organization will soon present a bill for the establishment of a security outfit that will absorb most Nigerians youths, urging the governments to provide camps in each state of the federation. He also urged the National Assembly to support the bill when it is presented to them. 

    According to him, members of the organization are from the six geo-political zones of the country. 

    Owing to Nigerians apathy to casting their votes, he asked members of the organization to get their voters cards for them to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections.  

    He said: “With voters cards we will be able to gather all our members so that when election comes everybody will vote for the right person. This is because Nigerians are no longer interested in voting. In this coming election, we are voting for the right person not a party.”

    Asked comment on the National Assembly move to regulate NGOs, he described the move as a step in the right direction, noting that 80% of organizations are owned by politicians. 

    Olalekan added that “Any NGO under a politician should be monitored and stopped. They should go to CAC to know the right NGOs.”

  • How youths can be financially independent

    When struck by misfortune and poverty, many people tend to seek succour in religion or fetish ideologies. To some people who never have the opportunity to become wealthy, money suddenly becomes evil. They usually console themselves with sayings, such as: “money can’t buy happiness”, and “money is not everything”. Quite often, people’s response to financial failure is unnecessary resentment.

    Money matters. It always will. We must admit this. So what?

    Before you give up and claim this as your destiny, remember even as religious people, we know there are ends and there are means to get to them. So, what happens to money making? Does any kind of religion in the world deny a man from seeking the bounty of the Lord? No! Whether religious or non-religious, good things of the world are there for man to enjoy. Why not probe into why money seems elusive?

    It is understandable that getting rich in Nigeria seems to be an uphill task. The system seems rigged against us. We have a government that consumes up to half of that national resources, and corrupt politicians, who care little about the wellbeing of the citizens. Many Nigerians face the daunting task of making a headway. Setting up a goal on money sure does require some courage. But like any other enterprise, getting rich has its dos and don’ts. As students and young people, we can arm ourselves with tips I have found workable.

    First, let us admit we need money. This sounds simple but it’s a great deal. As many prefer to shy away from talking about it, it is never a good idea hiding what you are born with. Every human is destined to crave for convenience. Money buys some comfort. And to deny such is to be ashamed of how we are created. Nothing drives a man to success than a desire to succeed in anything. We must know this; it is a golden rule.

    Secondly, we must save money. Remember, as a student, we started accumulating knowledge in ones and twos. The same thing goes for money. Unless some of us have wealthy parents from whom we can inherit property that can fetch us fortunes, there is a need to save the little we have if we want to have a foothold in the financial world. If not, we can be impoverished forever. Let us kill that monstrous fear now and begin to save, possibly five to 10 per cent of money we have. That is how to get ourselves off the ground, even if we have no one to finance our ideas.

    Thirdly, we must suspend desires and buy only what’s necessary. Benjamin Franklin said: “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” Most Nigerians live beyond their means of livelihood, believing, erroneously though, that money comes their way by accident and more will come. Well it does come by accident but goes by choice. Until we learn how to live below our source of income, most young people will always have a lean purse.

    Investment is another key value we must imbibe. What obviously can we do with our savings? If we ever want cash to always flow in our direction, we must create for ourselves the kind of opportunity we create for others. That is, unless we have something we sell for others, the money we spend will never come back to us.

    Make no mistake, investment does not necessarily have to be on buying and selling of goods. A worthy self-improvement pays even more dividends than material goods. Let us take a cue from writers, graphic designers, carpenters, public speakers, etc.

    Let us continue to seek for knowledge. This is a must, if we want to improve our condition. Most start-ups lost their money to lack of knowledge. In an intellectual world, everyone who wishes to thrive must seek knowledge constantly to keep up with the pace of a fast-developing world, lest they would be consumed by leaping blindly or get duped by downright liars or fake advertisers. Knowledge gives us power.

    Neither in today’s world nor in the past has long-term success ever favoured mediocrity. If it seems to thrive at first, it’s only a matter of time before it gets swallowed by the presence of the originals. Let’s make sure we always give our best to see the best result.

    Lastly, we need to place a premium on human relationship. Nothing can be compared to good relationship among humans. No human loves to deal with robotic or emotionless human. Create a cordial atmosphere where people are free to engage you.

     

    • Ali is a student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

  • ‘How teachers can beat poverty’

    Teachers can snap out of their poverty mentality only if they can learn wide and embrace new approach to doing things, says an educationist, Mr. Ademuyiwa Ashimolowo.

    To this end, Ashimolowo , a facilitator at Mabysgold Nursery Institute, is challenging teachers to take charge of the value chain to make more money.

    Ashimolowo spoke at the maiden ‘Teachers are made’ conference held at NERDC House, Alausa, Lagos State, where he inspired his colleagues to make themselves more professionally marketable.

    Ashimolowo said the conference was to make teachers take responsibility of their lives, adding that it is not where they live that determines their worth but their thoughts.

    He said: “Fantasy can create a million realities. We want teachers to dream to the point where they can deliberately learn, go on professional development and acquire knowledge not only to help the children but themselves. All the trainings teachers have gone through is about teach, teach, and teach. What about the teachers?

    “Teachers should also be deep, and build their own lives. So, for us, we think teachers should become lifelong learners. Teachers can continuously learn and when they do that, the classroom will change and when the classroom changes, the society benefits on the long run.”

    He said over the years, teachers have battled to rid themselves of poverty because they believe poverty and teaching are synonymous. He said the conference was one of the ways by which such mentality could be changed through using neurological tools.

    Other speakers included: Lizzy Ohaka who spoke on: ‘Utilising higher faculty of the mind for best Practices’ and Tunde Badryh who delivered a talk on: ‘Teachers mindset; A call for paradigm shift’.

    Ohaka said the engagement of the mind to think and visualise was a trick most practitioners in the profession could not fathom due to habits and orthodox beliefs.

    Badru noted that a paradigm shift could make all the changes in the life of teachers.

    “Paradigm shift is the secret! If teachers can think of doing things anew, the classroom will change, even the proprietor of the school will notice and give the teacher the wages expected and not what is currently earned,” he said.

    Other speakers at the conference were: Mrs Toyin Akingbade, who talked on: ‘Branded or stranded teacher’;  Mrs Mercy Nwatu, who also spoke on: ‘Love your job to fix your life’ and Esan Tolulope who dealt with: ”Teachers: You must create a  new story.”

  • How Fed govt can eradicate poverty, by scholar

    An Islamic scholar, Ustadh AbdulGaniy Raji, yesterday claimed that over 112 million Nigerians are unemployed.

    Relying on figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Raji quoted the bureau as saying that two million Nigerians lost their jobs early this year.

    He spoke during the distribution of The Companion Zakat Fund at Old Secretariat, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

    According to him, between 1993 and 2013, World Bank reported that over 35 million graduates joined people living below poverty level in the country.

    He defined poverty as people living below a dollar per day.

    “Between 1993 and 2013, nations like China, Russia, Indonesia and few others have reduced poverty rate in their countries, but the employment rate kept increasing in Nigeria,” he said.

    Raji said the essence of Zakat is to banish poverty in the land, adding “there is no religion that wishes its adherents to be wealthy than Islam if only Muslims followed its laid down principles.”

    The Companion National President, Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, said the Zakat fund was created to ease Muslims desire to fulfil their obligations and earn mundane and spiritual rewards.

    Oyefeso added that it was also meant to better the lives of the less privileged.

    “This year alone, we have disbursed N7 million to 83 beneficiaries. Some are for medical relief, education support, accommodation, among others,” he said.

    He appealed to the beneficiaries to utilise the items received.

    Zakat, he said, if well managed would eradicate poverty in the society.

    Oyefeso appealed to government to re-structure various financial assistant programmes to cater for Muslims.

    “The way it is structured now, Muslims have been excluded because it is forbidden for Muslims to collect interest-based loans. Let them involve Muslim experts in the scheme to ensure that the Muslim populace benefit from it,” he said.

    A Muslim leader, Dr Muiz Banire, said Nigeria needed divine intervention because it seems the nation is not progressing.

    “So many things that earn you the wrath of Allah abound in this country. Apart from lack of fear of God, we have wronged Allah badly, hence my call for divine intervention. Other countries that do not worship God are doing things that please Allah,” he said.

    Nigeria, he said, would continue to face one crisis or another “because poverty leads to hunger, hunger leads to anger and anger will definitely leads to crime.”

  • Excellence conquers poverty

    Excellence conquers poverty

    The story of Onyinye Onuigbo, the 2017 best graduating student of America University of Nigeria (AUN), is proof that fate and hard work will always defy financial challenges. GBENGA ADANIKIN reports

    Miss Onyinye Onuigbo, the 2017 overall best graduating student of the America University of Nigeria (AUN) was born into a family of seven. She hails from a remote village in Enugu State. In 2006 she won a 10-year scholarship from the Yar’Adua Foundation and AUN. Onuigbo’s fairytale story continued. As she rounded off her study she was chosen to deliver the valedictory speech at the AUN Maiden University Fair in Abuja to encourage prospective students while commending the foundation for the educational support she never dreamt of.

    Onuigbo made 3.98 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) despite her humble background from a poor home. Officials of the institute have it in confidence that no student has ever attained such grade since inception. Her parent could hardly handle welfare of the ward talk less of meeting her educational needs effectively. As a result, two of her siblings had to be an apprentice in the informal sector. Onyinye’s father is an electrician while mother is into the nursing profession.

    The 22-year-old’s success story started with the Yar’Adua Merit Scholarship. It was a keenly contested competition across the country in which she beat 23 others. She also did well in the oral and written interviews.

    Onuigbo later got all expenses paid offer all through her six years in the secondary school and subsequently enjoyed the scholarship to varsity level in AUN. But she was not the only one. Eleven others among the 24 also secured same scholarship admission into the private varsity in Yola. Only three graduated this year from AUN.

    Altogether, 24 of the pupils were lucky enough to have won the Yar’Adua Foundation scholarship programme to university level while 12 others gained admission into federal universities across the country.

    The scholarship scheme of the AUN was a clear indication that there is still hope for the less privileged that are seeking for qualitative education and reward for excellence.

    It was the proof of reward for hard work, determination, persistence and courage.

    All thanks to the AUN and Yar’Adua Foundation for their vision. The search by the foundation for very bright but indigent students is already bearing fruitful results. The aim, according to the Director-General of the Yar’Adua Foundation, Mrs. Jacqueline Farris was to improve lives by providing a comprehensive education for talented youths. She said it was a deliberate plan to offer indigent children best and quality education through its scholarship scheme.

    “We do a lot of work ranging from public policy, government, elections but this is one initiative touching the lives of people. Let me say this is not my idea. It belongs to Hajia Binta Yar’Adua. She is the one who decided that this is an initiative the foundation should embark upon.”

    The foundation board is chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo while the vice chairman is the founder of AUN and former Vice-president of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. The trustees include Hajia Binta Yar’Adua and other prominent and influential Nigerians.

    Abuja Review gathered that the Yar’Adua foundation was established by friends, family and associates of the late President, Shehu Yar’Adua to inspire the nation’s future generations with his legacy of service.

    Challenged by funds to execute the set humanitarian gesture, the foundation had to make use of its endowment fund, to implement the life changing programme of the 24 indigent students from Junior Secondary School 1 to Graduate level.

    “The school fees increased overtime. With six years in junior and senior secondary school, we were just lucky and excited that AUN took the brightest students and provided them with full scholarships but we paid for the 24 students from secondary school and we are also paying for those in government universities,” said Farris.

    “Onyinye is our success story,” she said stressing that there were other success stories but Oyinye should be commended for her excellent performance. “She is the valedictorian. Not just that she graduated with the highest grade honour in the nine years history of the AUN. We are exceedingly proud of her.”

    Farris emphasised on mission of the foundation to promote national unity, good governance and social justice by creating platforms to engage citizens, policy makers and stakeholders in national conversations that foster an inclusive and prosperous nation.

    Speaking at the AUN, Yar’Adua foundation maiden university fair, Onyinye Onuigbo appreciated the foundation and AUN for the rare privilege to accessing quality education. As for her it was an unimaginable experience. From Enugu to Yola was a different life travelling experience. Unlike normal Igbo speaking environment, she had to contend with the new environment, strived to interact with new people and eventually made good grades from it.

    “At AUN, things were a bit different from what I had expected. Even though I didn’t make use of all the opportunities, the little I had I was able to utilise it very well.

    “From my parents income, definitely they cannot support me through my education at AUN. Now they are proud parents of me, a valedictorian of the 2017 set. That is something that should make every parent proud even as i proceed with studies.”

    All these were her words of advise to the potential undergraduates willing to study at the AUN. The valedictorian hope to be a Professor of Chemistry in the future as she found it exciting to impact knowledge.

    She further attributed her success to preparedness and time management. These she said were factors responsible for her fete.

    New President of the AUN, Dr. Dawn Dekle said the event was to celebrate old students, interns and valedictory for the graduating students. She stated her commitment to developing the students, shape their career ambition and develop their leadership skill.

    “I am here to invite you to consider our learning community to transform you into future ambassadors, somebody working with the government and a great and successful personality in life.”

    At the fair, students were invited to Abuja to be offered life changing opportunities. They were provided with information about all the opportunities the foundation and AUN had to offer before being admitted into the varsity.

    But good news to other indigent students. There is hope for them. They can as well fulfil their ambitions even with little or no financial commitment. The new president of the AUN shared her vision to continue with the humanitarian support. To her, children of the poor should also have same access to very good and quality education despite tuition fee of the private varsity.

  • Why poverty remains rampant in Nigeria – Niger gov’s wife

    The wife of the Niger State Governor, Dr. Amina Sani Bello, has explained that the reason why most Nigerians are still living in poverty is due to their inability to access loans from banks to initiate and go into small and medium scale businesses.

    According to her, the stringent conditions of the banks, if not adequately reviewed, would not give some Nigerians the opportunity to break out of poverty.

    The governor’s wife stated this during the graduation ceremony of 130 graduands of the RAISE Foundation Skills Acquisition Centre in Minna.

    Bello who is the founder of the RAISE Foundation explained that she wanted to get little loans for the graduands to start up their businesses but regretted that they would not be able to meet with the stringent conditions given to her by the banks.

    “We wanted to get each and every one of you a loan but we could not because of the conditions given to us. This is a big disadvantage and that is the reason why we still have poverty in the land because before you collect a loan, you must have a collateral and there are also some stringent conditions which must be met. Most Nigerians cannot meet up with these conditions and that is why we still have poverty.”

    She however said the graduands would be given start up kits and little cash  to enable them buy the first set of things they would need, adding that they would be monitored to ensure that they use the money and kits judiciously.

    She encouraged Nigerians to buy made-in-Nigeria products in order to develop the economy, adding that the quality of tailors and craftsmen in the country is enough to reduce spending on foreign products.

    Out of the 130 graduands, 10 were trained in tailoring, 40 in beadwork, 40 in embellishments and 40 in leatherwork.

     

  • Osinbajo to African leaders: don’t leave legacy of war, poverty

    Osinbajo to African leaders: don’t leave legacy of war, poverty

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday urged African leaders to do everything possible not to bequeath burden of war, misery and poverty to the next generation.

    He spoke at the ongoing African Union summit in Addis Ababa where he led the discussion on peace and security.

    Nigeria is the Chairman of the AU’s Peace & Security Council, a continental equivalent of United Nation’s Security Council.

    He urged the leaders to embrace a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of violence in countries on the continent.

    Osinbajo said: “We need to rekindle our political will and determination not to bequeath to the next generation of Africans the burden of wars, poverty and misery.  It is therefore necessary for the Assembly to reaffirm the overriding importance of holistically addressing the root causes of violent conflicts in our countries.

    “The Peace and Security Council has continued to relentlessly discharge its mandate of promoting peace, security and stability in our continent. Our peace and security agenda must remain on the front burner of our deliberations. We have no choice  peace, security and stability are  fundamental to the realisation of sustainable development and to assure our peoples of decent and happy lives.

    “As we move towards silencing the guns by 2020, our collective resolve must remain solid and steadfast to effectively tackle conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”

     

     

    “Pursuant to our 50thAnniversary’s Solemn Declaration, and under Nigeria’s chairmanship of the Peace and Security Council in the month of July, we will prioritise the adoption of practical measures to address the current security challenges in South Sudan, Somalia, Guinea Bissau, the Sahel-Sahelo and Lake Chad Basin regions.

    “Furthermore, Nigeria will strengthen the engagement with all AU Member States in confronting the menace of child soldiering and millions of out-of-school children in armed conflict areas.

    “As a first step, we must ensure the full implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), especially the operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF) and the Peace Fund. In particular, the Government of Nigeria reiterates the need for the Peace and Security Council to work towards removing all distractions and impediments to the full attainment of operational capacity of the African Standby Force.  To ensure the effectiveness of the African Union peace support operations, the Regional Economic Communities and relevant international bodies, especially the United Nations must remain strategic pillars of peace, security and development of the Continent as envisioned in Agenda 2063.

    “We must redouble our efforts and, and without equivocation avail the necessary resources, in order to successfully achieve the goals set out in Agenda 2063. We need to rekindle our political will and determination not to bequeath to the next generation of Africans the burden of wars, poverty and misery.  It is therefore necessary for the Assembly to reaffirm the overriding importance of holistically addressing the root causes of violent conflicts in our countries.

    “The tragic consequences of wars and conflicts in Africa are self-evident. The millions killed and maimed,  the Millions displaced, children out of school , set us back decades economically and socially.  Our resolve to end wars and conflicts in Africa is therefore our vote for a future of  real growth and development for our continent.”