Group calls for poverty eradication, grows talents
A non-governmental organisation, Emeka Agba Foundation, has emphasised the need to address the rate of poverty in the country, noting that it will help to identify the talents of Nigerian youths and expose them to the world.
The founder of the NGO, Emeka Agba, who said the foundation was born out of passion, empathy and desire for grassroots development, noted that many young people had gone astray due to lack of proper orientation.
According to him, the group has seen first-hand what hunger and poverty can do to people as many lose their dignity and self-worth to make ends meet.
Agba disclosed that the desire for grassroots development where humanitarian service is needed to address youth empowerment, vocational skills acquisition, scholarships, mentorship, health and creating an enabling environment for the socio-economic independence of young Nigerians, was what brought about the foundation.
He lamented that the current economic and security challenges have further worsened the living conditions of Nigerians even as the unemployment rate is increasing.
Agba noted that this poses a serious threat to society, adding that constant engagement with the youths would enable them to stay away from crime.
“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 related challenges, especially at the grassroots where the impacts of hunger and squalor are more felt.
“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. There is no longer dignity in labour as taught by our parents.
“Poverty can be addressed when people are engaged positively. We should be mindful that human resources are huge and when we put it to use adequately, it would bring out huge productivity and hitherto, reduce insecurity and poverty in the land,” he said.
“Our foundation is also interested in sporting activities, especially boxing and we need to catch them young, train and sponsor them to partake in international competitions.
“It has contributed and brought succour to the less privileged through empowerment, mentorship, scholarships, skills acquisition, and vocational training. We have touched lives in diverse ways through our humanitarian services and widows are also not left out.”
