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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Professor of Literature and Creative Writing in the Faculty of Humanities, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, Prof. Stephen Solanke, has urged the Federal and State governments to utilize respected community-based programmes in executing their social intervention initiatives.
Solanke, who was the guest lecturer, gave the advice in a paper he presented at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Poverty Eradication Summit held in Ikeja, Lagos and organized by the President Tinubu for Second Term Vanguard (PTSTV). The event was organized to mark the 2025 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
In his lecture, titled, “Mass Poverty in Nigeria: Renewed Hope Agenda to Combat the Cankerworm,” Solanke called on the government to set up structures just as they established structures for students to access loans directly instead of going through officials or leaders of various kinds.
“Government policies must impact people at the local level. The poor still feel the pinch — interventions should touch lives personally, not just through bureaucratic structures,” Solanke emphasized.
Convener of the summit and Director-General of PTSTV, Dr. Tajudeen Yunus in his address lauded the Bola Tinubu administration’s poverty reduction initiatives and called for the establishment of humanitarian centres in all the 774 local government areas in the country.
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He applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is lifting many Nigerians out of poverty.
Yunus said: “Let the President create independent humanitarian centres nationwide. With state allocations increased by 300 percent, it’s time to ensure resources reach the people directly,” Yunus said.
Also speaking, National Women Leader of PTSTV and founder of the Renewed Hope June 12 Movement, praised the president’s commitment to empowering youths and small scale businesses.
According to Irawo, the Tinubu administration is ensuring that there is inclusive economic growth by providing loans for students and MSMEs, which she described as “the backbone of the economy and vital for job creation.”
She spoke further: “Students are now accessing loans for their education — that’s progress. The President is also building 3,000 free houses for the masses. Before Asiwaju came in 2023, Nigeria’s economy was sinking and there was nothing in the purse. He’s rebuilding hope and soon food will be affordable again.”
The summit was attended by various coordinators from the five western states. Awards were presented to deserving Nigerians who performed well in their various fields just as there were, empowerment sessions, and prayers made for Nigeria.
