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WAR ON POVERTY: A LOST BATTLE AT ALL TIMES IN NIGERIA.

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The pains of poverty does not bear analogy with a needle stinging human body and its long effects could be reflected in the philosophical approach an analyst adopted in defining that endemic term called ‘poverty’. Mostly acceptable definition of poverty could be found in the sketch of 1995 Copenhagen World Summit on Development, where absolute poverty was defined as “a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and access to other services”.

Other social commentators have defined poverty in terms of relative deprivation. That is, poverty should be defined in  relation to the standards of a particular society at a particular time, thereby, extending beyond a simple lack of material resources, and in attempting to broaden debate and research on poverty, social experts also coined the term ‘social exclusion’. Whatever the dimension of definition and conceptualization adopted, it could not change the apparent fact that poverty is indisputably an undesirable state of living – an incidence that must be alleviated in every known human settings.

“She has nourished food and her children so hungry but could’nt eat, there is an ocean and her offspring so thisty but could’nt drink, blessed with bounty of clothes but sons and daughters lives bared naked, blessed with vast hectares of housing domain yet her children moved in troops to oversea in search of favourable habits, amply endowed with experts and gurus in various spheres of life but left the so much uncaring mother for favourable zones where the genius is appreciated”.

Who or what could best replicate this shameless, careless and non-challant mother? With no regret or remorse, it is no other entity other than our dear deceitful Nigeria.

The ever-increasing high death rate in our noble country Nigeria is a staggering example of betraying humanity. People die of hunger, nutritional diseases, road crash as a result of bad roads, air mishaps, ethnic clashes, Boko haram killings, all results from poverty and bad governance.

The natural endowment is so ample that other countries of the world make jest of our dear country, Nigeria. Greatest of these resources is the larger concentration  of crude oil hugely deposited in the downstream of Nigerian terrain, which was discovered in the last decade of imperial colonialism of the nation.

Poor leadership and lack of developmental initiatives has been a curse on Nigeria at least for a monumental period. That is, the concept of Nigerian factor is as old as the birth (independence) of the country herself.

Deliberately or unconsciously, our National Economy gradually becomes a mono-economy with the over-concentration on the downsream oil sector and the consequent neglect of other sectors of economy that would have supplied succour  to the  citizens of the country. Apparently, crude oil that ought to be the source of  socio-economic and political greatness to Nigeria as a nation has unfortunately become the “conveyor belt of poverty, the womb of injustice, the den of death and ultimately ,the corridor of crime”.

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Poverty, a social problem and a contagious disease identified in Nigeria as far back as three decades ago, mutating in different forms, aggravating in varieties of dimension accross moving era, surviving all forms of initiatives and overriding all poverty alleviating policies designed to combat the nemesis, and as a result deepening its root, defying all solutions and gradually becoming our permanent companion in Nigeria.

Steadily, poverty is winning the war, starving Nigeria from the south, decapacitating us from  the East and disempowering our masses far from the North. Thus, Nigeria is losing the war on poverty. The corollary of all these are abound in various settlements that make up Nigeria. The masses perpetually poor despite the various poverty alleviating measures applied by successive governments in Nigeria.

The good people of Nigeria, tagged as “suffering but smiling” holding firm to the principle that, if they have devoured our future, they cannot devour our smile, are much conscious that poverty is a consequential wages of bad leadership.

By their greed, calousness and avarice, these thieving ruling elite manufactured poverty through their mindless looting of the country’s treasure, rendering the youths uneducated, and masses, homeless and pauperized. While these elected and appointed ruling cabals are busy with their Oliver Twists’ maddening acquisition, stashing of illegally-acquired wealth in foreign domiciliary accounts and sharing of peoples’ commonwealth, poverty is ravaging the home of Nigerian masses – people are hungry, thirsty, homeless, impoverished, economically degraded, dejected and devastated.

Our streets is filled with children hawking even on highways and youths who have lost hope of what future hold. People were subjected to absolute suffering and a life of misery, and yet, the nation have not been able to produce a leader who could dare exploring the audacity of progressive leadership to the benefit of Nigeria.

Various successive governments in Nigeria have made spirited attempts to reduce the incidence of poverty among the citizens.

In 1972, National Accelerated Food Production Programme and the Nigerian Agricultural and Co-operative Bank were established, in 1976, Operation Feed the Nation to teach the rural farmers how to use modern farming tools. In 1979, Green Revolution Programme to reduce food importation and increase local food production.

In 1986, Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) and in 1993, Family Support Programme and the Family Economic Advancement Programme. In 2001, National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) to replace the previously failed Poverty Alleviation Programmes. Majority of these initiatives could be regarded as white paper or window dressing  policies which were toothless in tackling the root cause of poverty in Nigeria.

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Combating poverty in this country has metamorphosed beyond a mere poverty alleviating programmes because only the politically acute people, whether they are in need or not, always be the benefactors of these projects. Such are just window-dressing and white paper policies, politically designed and implemented in the bureau of power tussle.

At present, there was a paradox at the heart of Nigeria as the economy was growing from strength to strength, mainly because of oil production – yet Nigerians were getting poorer. Despite the fact that the Nigerian economy is growing, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty is increasing every year. According to National Bureau of Statistics, in 1980, 17.1 million Nigerian population live below 1 dollar per day, 34.7 million in 1985, 39.2million has not produced commensurate employment opportunities and reduction in poverty among its citizens.

The situation was what was often referred to by some analysts as faceless growth. Unemployment figures also indicated that the number of unemployed members of the labour force continues to grow from 12.3 per cent in 2006 to 23.9 per cent in 2011. It is even more disturbing to note that on the average, youth unemployment rate in Nigeria was 46.5 per cent in 2011.

According to NBS report, the North-West and North-East recorded the highest poverty rates in the country in 2010 with 77.7 per cent and 76.3 per cent respectively. On the other hand, the South-West geo-political zone, according to report, recorded the lowest at 59.1 per cent. Among the 36 states of the Federation, the report revealed that Sokoto State had the highest poverty rate (86.4 per cent), while Niger had the lowest at (43.6, per cent). As at 2004, Jigawa State had the highest poverty rate (95 per cent), while Anambra, with a poverty rate of 22 per cent, was the least poverty-stricken state.

A critical look at the indepth budgetary analysis over a couple of past years reveals that poverty is about to be allowed to continue playing unfettered free role among the poor masses of Nigeria, because our domestic earnings and foreign aids are not channelled towards empowering the teeming poor population. Instead governments, past and present, are blatantly committed to overloading our pool of resources while paying huge allowances to political office holders and even, their wives.

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One recent debatable instance of such, peculiar to 2013 Budget is the huge amount voted for furnishing first ladies’ residence. One would wonder what benefit that exorbitant spending would render to the hapless masses.

The lack of a stringent regulatory and monitoring system also allowed these madly paid politicians to indulge in  rampant missapropriation of funds, knowing fully well that our criminal justice system that can indict them, is much at their disposal to manipulate. This has hindered past poverty alleviation efforts, and will continue to do so, since resources which could pay for public goods or directed towards investment (and so create employment and other opportunities for citizens) are being misappropriated.

At this level, it should be recognised that there is the need for integrated and comprehensive approach that included interventions at both macro and micro levels, that will include sustaining both our small and medium scale industries, as an effective means of providing qualitative jobs for Nigerians.  Government at all levels must engage in growth patterns that generate jobs on a large scale to absorb the blessings of additional labour created by the larger youth population as man power. There is also the need for a rethink and shift from jobless growth strategies toward inclusive and pro-poor growth strategies that equip youths and women with required skills for decent employment. Government must be urged working in their capacity to rescue the sinking boat of common peoples’ economy, make audacious but developmental decisions, stop your calousness, selfishness and maintain fast track developmental strategies.

It is only on this plank that we can arrest the growing rate of poverty in our dear country, Nigeria.

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National Issues

16 Governors Back State Police Amid Security Concerns

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In response to the escalating security challenges plaguing Nigeria, no fewer than 16 state governors have thrown their weight behind the establishment of state police forces.

This development was disclosed by the National Economic Council (NEC) during its 140th meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, which took place virtually on Thursday.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who briefed State House Correspondents after the meeting, revealed that out of the 36 states, 20 governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were yet to submit their positions on the matter, though he did not specify which states were among them.

The governors advocating for state police also pushed for a comprehensive review of the Nigerian Constitution to accommodate this crucial reform. Their move underscores the urgency and gravity of the security situation across the nation.

Similarly, the NEC received an abridged report from the ad-hoc committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control. This committee, headed by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, highlighted the areas of oil leakages within the industry and identified instances of infractions.

Governor Uzodinma’s committee stressed the imperative of political will to drive the necessary changes and reforms needed to combat crude oil theft effectively.

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National Issues

Weak Institutions Impede Nigeria’s Sustainable Development – Says US Don

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Renowned academician, Professor Augustine Okereke, from the Medgar Evers College/City University of New York, has emphasised the detrimental impact of a lack of strong social institutions on Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Presenting a lead paper at the First Annual Ibadan Social Science Conference hosted by the University of Ibadan, Professor Okereke urged President Bola Tinubu to foster robust institutions capable of combatting corruption and addressing social ills.

“All our institutions are on the decline,” warned Professor Okereke, underscoring the urgent need for effective structures to facilitate sustainable development. He highlighted the challenges faced by African countries, emphasising the risk of continued poverty, underemployment, and injustice without these foundational structures.

The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ibadan, Professor Ezebunwa Nwokocha, asserted the university’s commitment to providing intellectual, context-specific solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

He called on state and federal governments to patronise researchers in the country, emphasising the faculty’s reputation for producing intellectual leaders.

Professor Nwokocha stated, “Our faculty is reputed for offering deeply intellectual, workable, and context-specific solutions to the challenges faced by Nigeria over the ages.” He emphasised the significance of the conference’s theme in aiding Nigeria’s navigation through its complex existential reality marked by despair, rising inflation, insecurity, corruption, and unemployment.

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During the conference’s opening, Vice Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale noted the relevance of the theme, “Social Science, Contemporary Social Issues, and the Actualization of Sustainable Development,” urging participants to generate transformative ideas for Nigeria.

Acknowledging the nation’s progress over 63 years, he expressed concern over setbacks in the economy and social indices, hoping the conference would proffer solutions.

In his keynote address, Professor Lai Erinosho stressed the rapid worldwide social change in the digital age, citing both benefits and unanticipated consequences for human survival. He cautioned against embracing same-sex relationships, citing dangerous implications for humanity.

The First Annual Ibadan Social Science Conference convened a diverse array of participants to explore solutions and intellectual leadership in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

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National Issues

Nigerians’ Wallets Under Strain As Inflation Soars to 28.92%

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As the country grapples with economic challenges, the latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a surge in the inflation rate to 28.92%, according to the December 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on a Monday afternoon.

The CPI, tracking the fluctuation in prices of goods and services, illustrates a notable increase from the previous month’s 28.20%, underscoring the pressing concerns surrounding the nation’s economic stability.

In a recent report, the Statistics Office revealed a notable uptick in the headline inflation rate for December 2023, marking a 0.72 percentage point increase from the previous month’s figure in November 2023.

On a year-on-year basis, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlighted a significant surge, with the December 2023 rate standing at 7.58 percentage points higher compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

December 2022 witnessed an inflation rate of 21.34 percent, underscoring the economic dynamics at play.

“This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in December 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., December 2022),” NBS said.

In a further revelation, the bureau disclosed that the month-on-month headline inflation rate for December 2023 experienced a 2.29 percent surge, surpassing November 2023 by 0.20 percent. This indicates a swifter rise in the average price level compared to the preceding month.

The report highlighted a concerning acceleration in food inflation, reaching 33.93 percent on a year-on-year basis for December 2023. This marked a substantial 10.18 percent points increase from December 2022’s rate of 23.75 percent. The data underscores the persistent upward trend in food prices, a trend exacerbated by various government policies, including the removal of subsidies on petrol.

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Notably, in July 2023, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency on food insecurity to address the escalating food prices. Taking decisive action, the President mandated that issues related to food and water availability and affordability fall under the jurisdiction of the National Security Council, recognising these as essential livelihood items in need of urgent attention.

In Monday’s inflation report, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) detailed the key contributors to the year-on-year increase in the headline index. The leading factors include food & non-alcoholic beverages at 14.98 percent, housing water, electricity, gas & other fuel at 4.84 percent, clothing & footwear at 2.21 percent, and transport at 1.88 percent.

Additional contributors encompass furnishings & household equipment & maintenance (1.45 percent), education (1.14 percent), health (0.87 percent), miscellaneous goods & services (0.48 percent), restaurant & hotels (0.35 percent), alcoholic beverages, tobacco & kola (0.31 percent), recreation & culture (0.20 percent), and communication (0.20 percent).

The report highlighted a substantial 24.66 percent change in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the twelve months ending December 2023 over the previous twelve-month period. This represents a significant 5.81 percent increase compared to the 18.85 percent recorded in December 2022, indicating ongoing inflationary pressures in the economy.

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Food Inflation

In a concerning trend, the food inflation rate for December 2023 surged to 33.93 percent on a year-on-year basis, marking a substantial 10.18 percent points increase from the same period in 2022, when the rate stood at 23.75 percent.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) attributed this rise in food inflation to notable increases in the prices of various essential items. Key contributors include bread and cereals, oil and fat, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, fish, meat, fruit, milk, cheese, and eggs.

These price hikes collectively contributed to the intensified strain on consumers, highlighting the complex dynamics driving the upward trajectory of food prices.

“On a month-on-month basis, the Food inflation rate in December 2023 was 2.72 percent, this was 0.30 percent higher compared to the rate recorded in November 2023 (2.42 percent),” it said.

Clarifying the dynamics behind the recent uptick, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) explained that the month-on-month increase in food inflation for December 2023 was spurred by a heightened rate of escalation in the average prices of oil and fat, meat, bread, and cereals, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, as well as fish and dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs.

“The average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending December 2023 over the previous twelve-month average was 27.96 percent, which was a 7.02 percent points increase from the average annual rate of change recorded in December 2022 (20.94 percent),” the report added.

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