POVERTY REDUCTION: WE MUST BUILD GREATER SYNERGY ACROSS SECTORS—SDS PERM. SEC

By: Freda Aideyan

The Permanent Secretary Federal Capital Territory Social Development Secretariat, Ms. Olubunmi Olowokere, has asserted that in the nation’s battle against poverty, Nigeria must build greater synergy across all sectors.

She affirmed that government MDAs, NGOs, traditional institutions, religious leaders, private sector actors, and grassroots organizations must be actively involved to tackle poverty.

The Permanent Secretary made this assertion at the ongoing implementation of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Programme, (HPEP) a flagship initiative under the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

While commenting on the theme: “More Beta Don Come,” Olowokere noted that the theme is not just a slogan, but a clear statement of renewed hope and real transformation.

In her words, “It reflects the federal government’s unwavering commitment to restoring dignity to the lives of millions of Nigerians living in vulnerable conditions.”

Olowokere further noted that poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion are not just statistics, but are realities faced daily by too many vulnerable people.

On her part, the focal person FCT Social Investment Programme Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, noted that the programme was designed to uplift households, empower communities, and drive sustainable development.

According to her, “The HPEP is not just another intervention, it is a people-centered initiative designed to strengthen economic resilience at the grassroots, enhance livelihood opportunities, and ensure that no household is left behind in our journey towards inclusive prosperity.”

She, therefore, commended development partners, government agencies, community leaders, civil society organizations, and private sector actors who have continually championed the cause of household empowerment.

While highlighting the objectives of the engagement meeting, the project manager, National Cash Transfer, Mr. Atabo Philip, said that the aim was to ensure that all stakeholders have a better understanding of the programme in order to get their buy in, clarify roles of policy makers, and get feedback from critical stakeholders.