From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
The federal government has reiterated the commitment of the present led administration of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda is geared towards eradicating poverty in Nigeria.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, made this known during the flag- off and distribution of empowerment equipment to the Internally Displaced Persons in Gwada Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Dr Edu also said President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigerians who are living under one dollar per day be pulled out of poverty, however presented equipment and food items to the IDPs in the state.
She noted that her visit was aimed at accessing the situation of the displaced people sequel to the recent bandits attacks and boat mishap incidences in several communities in order to find how to come in with interventions.
According to her, “hope has come for Nigerians and that we will provide durable solutions to all the things that are bothering us. We have seen a couple of things, the living conditions how poor they are and it is no fault of anyone”.
She revealed that banditry has led to displacement of Nigerians where over 400 schools were shut down and as a resulted 11,000 children left out of school , stressing that this situation is completely unacceptable hence the need to ensure security and restore peace in all the affected communities.
The minister further appreciated Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago of Niger state for his plans for the state, added that the social register, conditional cash transfer, and other social intervention programs of the federal government would be extended to the IDPs.
She expressed optimism that the relief items will go a long way in cushioning their harsh living conditions, just as the government plans to provide more durable solutions for them to cater for their families.
The Wife of Niger State Governor, Fatima Umar Bago, appreciated the minister and president Bola Tinubu concern and for their interest in the humanitarian needs, said once poverty is addressed, insecurity would be a thing of the past.
Meanwhile, Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ahmed Sulieman Yumu, appealed to the minister to expand the National Social Register to the state so as to accommodate more people in need of interventions.