Government at all levels have been admonished to fight poverty and strive toward ensuring that Nigerians live with dignity.
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, who gave this charge also called on political leaders to eradicate poverty in the country, stressing that there is no justification for poverty among Nigerians.
Ajakaye, made the remarks in his welcome address at the graduation ceremony of vocational skills trainees and distribution of Start-Up Kits for 400 persons trained by the Caritas Nigeria, in Ekiti State.
The Non-profit organisation established by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, with the theme: “Building Sustainable Livelihoods in Vibrant Community (B-SLiC) Project, was held at the Pope John Paul II, Pastoral Centre, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.
Also, speaking Rev. Fr. Babangida Audu, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Caritas Nigeria, and Bishop Ajakaye, both urged Nigerians, the government and the citizens, to work together to ensure that poverty is eradicated, due to the abundant natural resources deposited in the country.
“Nigeria has no reason to be poor, but sadly enough, we are still far away from good governance, bad roads, unemployment, and poverty in the land”
The religious leaders noted that there is failure in the society, pointing to the fact that both government and citizens should be blamed in this regard.
“If we want to eradicate poverty in Nigeria, we can do it, but our government and citizens must mean it, not about the government alone, let everybody be involved in the process.
“Government should be able to provide an enabling environment, where people can be able to help themselves, and create an environment where people can learn skills.
“Citizens on their own should be willing to take up their responsibilities. Government cannot cater for all, but if you show your skills and develop interest, it will be better for society.
The clerics commended the donors’ agency to Caritas Nigeria, for the empowerment of the less privileged in the society in Ekiti State for the (B-SLiC) project.
The Director of Humanitarian Service, Caritas Nigeria, Nkese Udongwo, said the idea is to train the vulnerable on life skills for people to generate income for themselves and the community.
According to her, they were trained in tailoring, beads/bag making, shoe making, carpentry, phone repairs, Aluminium, Electrical, Mechanic and Catering works”. They all went home with their certificates and start-up kits.
The Chairman, Ado-Ekiti local government, Chief Bosun Osaloni, called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the “Start-Up Kits” presented to them, cautioning them not to sell them, but to use them to get out of poverty.