FG partners stakeholders to reduce poverty in A/Ibom oil communities

From Isaac Job, Uyo

Federal Government, in partnership with International Alert, community leaders and oil firms, have collaborated to facilitate multiple engagements aimed at poverty reduction in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Sterling Global operating in Iko town in Obolo Local Government Area, the Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Duro, urged oil firms to be sincere in the implementation of  the Corporate  Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes  as key driver to reduce poverty among the people.

The Minister, who was accompanied by the Country Director of International Alert, Dr Kingsley Udoh, visited Iko, Edowik, Olokpon and Emeroke 1 and 2 to assess the extent of poverty, interventions by oil companies and possible ways to strengthen partnership and advance sustainable poverty reduction under the renewed hope programme of President Bola Tinubu.

Duro emphasised  that  he was in the communities to witness  things for himself, adding that the visit  provided clearer insight and ensured that interventions aligned with the real needs of the people.

He reminded oil companies operators in the area that corporate social responsibility should have direct impacts to lift people out of poverty.

He directed that poverty reduction in communities should not be left to the government alone, adding that companies should specifically invest in poverty programmes in the communities of their operations.

He urged corporate organisations to fund projects that create jobs, skills to the youth and improve their livelihoods

“This is my appeal, let this be the moment we cease treating corporate social responsibility as a line item and begin treating it as a commitment and  honour to real families.

“Direct resources towards skills training for the youth I met today; direct resources towards clean water that a mother needs not walk miles to find.

“Direct resources towards classrooms where a child’s prospects are not diminished by a roof that leaks or is altogether absent,” he said.

According to him, it is a call for partnership, that a child from Eastern Obolo becomes a nurse, an engineer, a teacher or a business owner.

He explained that his ministry, through the One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), would continue to coordinate with the Akwa Ibom State Government and every willing partner to respond to the call of poverty alleviation

However, Dr Udo highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable development in communities.

He said that the partnerships between the government, the communities and the private sector was necessary to deliver inclusive and impactful interventions to the people.

“The series of engagements underscores International Alert Nigeria’s commitment to fostering partnerships that support sustainable development and strengthen community resilience.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs in Akwa Ibom State, Ms Emem Ibanga, said the minister’s visit demonstrated that President Tinubu meant well for Akwa Ibom.

Ibanga said that poverty reduction remained a cardinal priority in the state under Gov Umo Eno’s administration.

“The State Government has continued to make strategic investments in social protection, economic empowerment, food security and skills development, strengthening and sustaining livelihoods,” she said.

Speaking during the engagements, Dr Udo emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable development.

“Partnerships between the government, the communities and the private sector are essential to delivering inclusive and impactful interventions that respond to the real needs of the people

“There is a difference when you come to see things for yourself. It provides clearer insight and ensures that our interventions are aligned with the real needs of the people

“These engagements further demonstrate International Alert Nigeria’s leadership in convening diverse stakeholders, strengthening local systems and driving sustainable peace and development outcomes across Nigeria.”