By:Ayomikun Oluwatimileyin Inawole
Poverty is a multidimensional issue affecting nearly every aspect of an individual’s life, from access to education and healthcare to opportunities for employment and overall well-being. Despite progress over recent decades, billions of people still live in poverty, struggling to meet even the most basic needs. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is rooted in the belief that poverty is not only an economic issue but also a social and ethical concern, which requires a compassionate and holistic approach to address.
This day also pays tribute to the courage and determination of those who live in poverty, recognizing their resilience and contributions. The event traces its origins back to October 17, 1987, when over 100,000 people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris—the site of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—to honor the victims of poverty, hunger, and violence. Since then, October 17th has become a global symbol of unity against poverty, calling on people from all walks of life to stand in solidarity with the poor.
The theme for the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies.” This year’s focus highlights the hidden dimensions of poverty, specifically the social and institutional maltreatment faced by individuals living in poverty, and it calls for a united effort to address these injustices
Interacting with the Mr.tayo inawole the Deputy Director of the national orientation agency Kwara state, he explained that the National orientation agency is doing its work of sensitizing the public’s about government initiatives.
“National orientation agency has offices in 774 local government so whenever there is a new programmed by the federal government our officers go the villages ,the traditional rulers the wards, the communities , religious and opinion leaders to let them know to key in to these programmes, and immediately they grab it and many has benefited from it, the GEEP programme I was part of it and I know quite a lot of people who have benefited from it , the were given loan of 50,000 and they would not pay till about 6 months likewise the farmers and it was interest free, there was radio programme in which people phoned in as a testament to the authentification of the programmed. So we are in contact with people in the rural areas and they are in the know of the government programmes.”
Mr.Tayo Inawole also highlighted initiatives that the government has been doing to reduce the lack of the people and eradicating poverty “there are various programmes that the government of the day has rolled out, before now we have operation feed the nation(OFN) ,the green revolution, directorate of food road and rural infrastructure, we have national directorate of employment which is still functioning now and better life programmed but now a days the during the previous government the former president buhari there was GEEP they give loans to the poorest of the poor in the community artisans and farmers 50,000 and 300,000, this government rolled out student loan scheme which is functioning ,consumer credit corporation, there is a new one that we call compressed natural gas initiative, this has to do with vehicle that uses gas instead of petrol that will reduce the burden on the transport fare for everyone. This government also has digital enterprises programme there is also skill up artisans programme for the artisans presently there is national youth talent export programmed, business support program, Nigeria youth academy, micro and small business loans there is also partnership with NDDC intern scheme for Niger delta, also the government said they would soon roll out scheme to about 20 millions Nigerians about 50,000 to each Nigerians to alleviate the poverty in the society.”
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty serves as a reminder that poverty is a complex, global challenge that requires the commitment and cooperation of all. As we observe this day, it’s crucial to remember that every individual has a role to play in creating a world where poverty no longer exists. By advocating for policies that promote equity, supporting those affected by poverty, and working together, we can take significant steps toward a future of dignity and prosperity for all.
Ayomikun Oluwatimileyin Inawole is a 400 Level MassCommunication Student, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete. Nigeria