The collective conscience of humanity is stirred by the haunting reality of poverty, a scourge that ravages the very foundation and root of human dignity. Poverty sweeps across the globe and leaves in its wake, a trail of shattered dreams, stunted growth, and desperation. Africa, particularly Nigeria, bears the brunt of this affliction, its vibrant potential stifled by the crushing weight of economic hardship.
The poverty statistics of Nigeria is quite troubling and staggering: IMF says 86 million people are trapped in extreme poverty, accounting for 15% of the global total. The national poverty rate stands at 40.1%, with 82.9 million citizens struggling to survive on less than $2/day. I derive no pleasure in reeling out these numbers, even as governments continues to contest it and make case for it being flawed, and sometimes drive some political underpinnings, – but yet again, the numbers and the reality on ground underscore the urgency for our collective action, and beckons us to confront the human struggles and inequalities that necessitate the International Day for Poverty Eradication. We must acknowledge and respect the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their economic circumstances, and recognise poverty as a moral outrage.
Every day, people struggle to make ends meet, their lives reduced to a relentless quest for sustenance. This existential struggle should not define humanity. It is extremely important that we redefine the narrative, and ensure the hard work of every decent Nigerian yields tangible results, and that livelihoods are pursued with dignity, not desperation. Economic stability should be a manageable journey, not an adventure through uncharted terrain. I do not come from the school of thought that thinks the struggle to survive and actually live should overshadow the pursuit of happiness, creativity, and fulfillment. No!
Globally, according to the World Bank, 736 million people live in extreme poverty, while 1.3 billion face multidimensional poverty. One in five children worldwide suffers from the devastating results and effects of poverty. These numbers compel us to confront, head-on, the human cost of poverty: lost opportunities, stunted growth, shattered dreams, and the perpetuation of inequality. We must recognise the resilience of those struggling, and that their resourcefulness is a clear definition of humanity’s indomitable spirit, not that they must be wired through that cycle forever, – and their stories truly serve as touching reminder of the human cost of poverty.
International Day for Poverty Eradication is marked every October 17, but I stand in solidarity with those struggling economically all days of this life. A day isn’t enough for them to be in our remembrance, no! I identify with them and their struggles. The intellectual and natural richness of our country affords us the opportunity to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty. I so strongly believe that empathy and collective action can propel us toward a poverty-free world, – a world where every individual has access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We must desperately bridge the gap between policy and practice, and ensure initiatives metamorphose into real benefits for the marginalised.
My own experiences have inspired a deep-seated resolve to combat poverty. With empowerment and sustainable solutions, I’ve helped individuals and groups escape its clutches. Should we collectively choose to address the root causes of poverty, we can create an ecosystem that encourages growth, self-sufficiency, and human dignity. This requires collaborative efforts, innovative strategies, and unwavering commitment. Nothing short of will give us results.
It is our collective responsibility to uplift the impoverished, and recognise poverty eradication as a moral imperative, and not we doing help to those in that class. Our leaders must prioritise policy reforms, education, job training, healthcare access, economic empowerment, and social justice. It is when we synergise our efforts that we can dismantle poverty’s strongholds and establish thriving communities. It is also critical that we harness the power of technology, social entrepreneurship, and community-driven initiatives.
The path to a poverty-free world requires broad-based initiatives and strategic interventions, implemented with deliberate precision and compassion. We must raise awareness, recognise struggles, mobilise action, and promote sustainable panaceas. In this pursuits, we’ll definitely encounter complexities, challenges, and setbacks, – they are natural, – but our collective resolve must remain uncompromising.
Folks, we must eradicate poverty in our country, we have to, we can’t afford to keep on this path, or what do you think? I think we must embrace a radical, revolutionary and fundamental thinking, one that prioritises human dignity over economic expediency. We must recalibrate our moral compass and identify poverty as a collective failure, not individual inadequacy. When we harness our collective resources, creativity, and resilience, we can vanquish the shadows of poverty amidst us and light up a new chapter of prosperity for all. The International Day for Poverty Eradication is as a sensitive reminder of our shared humanity and collective responsibility to ensure every individual lives a life of dignity and prosperity, and we should see it as such.
~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, October 18, 2024
