By Titilayo Balogun
A non-governmental organisation based in Lagos, Chief Emeka Agba Foundation (CEAF), has urged government at all levels to make policies that would reduce poverty to its nearest minimum in Nigeria, saying over 90 percent of the nation’s population are in abject poverty.
CEAF, a non-profit organisation with a mission to address poverty and poverty-related challenges at the grassroots, said the larger population of Nigeria urgently needs government’s compassionate intervention to address challenges of poverty as the menace has become so prevalent in the country
The foundation made the remarks recently while distributing empowerment and lifeline items to hundreds of Nigerians in Lagos.
While addressing the reporters on the inspiration behind the NGO, the founder, Chief Emeka Agba, said: “This foundation was born out of passion, empathy and desire for grassroots development where humanitarian service is needed to address youth empowerment, vocational skills acquisition, scholarships, mentorship, health and creating enabling environment for socioeconomic independence of young Nigerians .
“Today the current economic and security challenges across the country have further worsened the living conditions of Nigerians even as unemployment rate is on the increase. Many Nigerian homes cannot boast of three square meals, many young and agile people have resulted to crimes and criminal tendencies with ritual killings taking centre stage as people resort to get rich quick measures and there is no longer dignity in labour as taught by our parents.
“The Chief Emeka Agba foundation has seen firsthand what hunger and poverty can do to people as many lose their dignity and self-worth just to make ends meet. It is no longer news that there is poverty in the land, but what steps are taken to address this trend is what is important. The foundation has been working assiduously to address the issue of poverty and poverty related challenges especially at the grassroots where the impacts of hunger and squalor is more felt.
“Till date, the Chief Emeka Agba foundation has contributed and is contributing to bringing succour to the less privileged through empowerment, mentorship, scholarships, skills acquisition, and vocational training. The foundation believes in addition to being educated, it is important to acquire skills especially among young people which they can fall on when the hunt for government jobs fails. We have touched lives in diverse ways through our humanitarian services as widows are also not left out.
“The corona virus pandemic and its attendant effects has opened our eyes to the myriads of sufferings experienced daily by Nigerians and the situation is further worsened by the economic crunch, The Chief EmekaAgba foundation is passionate, empathic and committed to ensure children of school age stay in school, that our widow’s mite doesn’t go unnoticed, hence this formal introduction of this foundation to you the media.
“The Chief Emeka Agba foundation is apolitical, non tribal, religion indifferent and liberal. We just want to serve, put a smile on many faces as much as possible, ensure we are a contributor to the sustainable development goal of no poverty, zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, quality education, and partnerships for the goals (SDG 1, 2, 3, 4 and 17).”