Government, elites tasked on aid to indigent persons

Experts have called on government and the elite class to aid the less privileged following the rapidly declining standard of living of millions of Nigerians.

Speaking at an event, CEO of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade, said the government should reduce poverty by creating jobs and self-employment schemes for the less privileged, including widows.

Mulade said: “There is extreme poverty in the land and a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet with an average Nigerian living less than N1000 per day. The elites should give back to society by empowering the poor, as the government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone.”

In a bid to set an example, the CEPEJ empowered some less privileged citizens with N20,000 to start-up businesses and boost existing ones. Sani Lawa, a tailor; Muyibat Odejobi, a petty trader; and Emily Christian, also a petty trader, were among the beneficiaries.

A representative of CEPEJ, Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, said women and girls face unacceptable levels of discrimination and abuse, which is not only wrong but also prevents them from playing a full part in society and decision-making.

Victoria said women’s empowerment and gender equality is essential for societal stability and sustainable development of a country.

A representative of the Oshodi-Isolo local government area, Ganiu Mejindade, hailed the organization for its effort towards improving the lives of Nigerians.