The International Christian For Sustainable Development (ICOSD) has appointed Chief Barrister Ebosetale David Aigbefoh Esq, as Life Patron and Ambasador for Global Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication in the country.
AIGBEFOH was decorated and awarded during the official lunch of the Nigerian chapter of International Christian Organisation for Sustainable Development (ICOSD) at the National Ecumenical Christian Centre, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the program was titled :END POVERTY IN NIGERIA: which will avail the opportunity to unveil laudable plan for Nigeria come 2023 in terms of poverty eradication.
AIGBEFOH, who was honoured as, Life Patron of ICOSD, ICOSD INT’L MEDAL OF HONOUR and AN AMBASSADOR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT promised to use the positions for poverty eradication and development of the country.
The occasion also featured; review of ICOSD modus operandi, speech from distinguished guest of honour and other dignitaries, donations for flag-off, presentations of awards and International medal of honours reviewed by Amb. Prof. Barika Saro-Laka jp.
In his address, Senator George Akume, Hon. Minister, Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, said Combating and eradicating poverty is one of the principal priorities of the International Community involving federations, governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals.
He said the launching of the Nigeria Chapter of International Christian Organization for Sustainable Development is therefore apt and timely as governments alone cannot eradicate poverty.
Sen. Akume, who was represented by one of the Senior Special Assistance in the Ministry, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said the measurement of poverty, identification of the poor and their characteristics, and the best policies and actions to alleviate poverty have also received wide academic research interest in recent years.
According to him, the Federal Government, in its efforts to tackling poverty had at various times, introduced various projects and programmes to achieve this goal.
However, he said lack of adequate coordination among Ministries and Agencies has often led to the duplication of Government efforts in the execution of its projects and programmes.
He revealed that the FGN has undertaken several programmes aimed at addressing poverty and social exclusion that are in line with the broad strategies of the 9 Point Agenda and the Vision articulated by Mr. President.
“Some key pro-poor initiatives such as the Conditional Cash Transfer programme through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is aimed at achieving immediate poverty reduction through regular cash payments subject to certain criteria and breaking the cycle of poverty through the positive social development,” he said. (NAN)
