Adebayo Adenrele
Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, has tasked the political leaders in Nigeria to eradicate poverty among citizens of the country.
Ajakaye, made the remarks in his welcome address at the graduation ceremony of vocational skills trainees and distribution of Start-Up Kits for 400 persons trained by the Caritas Nigeria, in Ekiti State.
The Bishop urged government at state and federal levels, to put in place measures in ensuring that Nigerians live a life of dignity.
The Non-profit organisation established by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, with the theme: “Building Sustainable Livelihoods in Vibrant Community (B-SLiC) Project”, was held at the Pope John Paul II, Pastoral Centre, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.
Also speaking, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Babangida Audu urged Nigerians, government and citizens, to collaborate in ensuring that poverty is eradicated, due to the abundant natural resources deposited in the country.
Their words: “Nigeria has no reason to be poor, but sadly enough, we are still far away from good governance, bad roads, unemployment, and poverty in the land.
“If we want to eradicate poverty in Nigeria, we can do it, but our government and citizens must mean it, not about the government alone, let everybody be involved in the process.
“Government should be able to provide an enabling environment, where people can be able to help themselves, and create an environment where people can learn skills.
“Citizens on their own should be willing to take up their responsibilities. Government cannot cater for all, but if you show your skills and develop interest, it will be better for society.”
The clerics commended the donors’ agency to Caritas Nigeria, for the empowerment of the less privileged in the society in Ekiti State for the (B-SLiC) project.
The Director of Humanitarian Service, Caritas Nigeria, Nkese Udongwo, said the idea was to train the vulnerable on life skills for people to generate income for themselves and the community.
According to her, they were trained in tailoring, beads/bag making, shoe making, carpentry, phone repairs, Aluminium, Electrical, Mechanic and Catering works, and were equipped with kits and awarded with certificates.
On his part, the Chairman, Ado-Ekiti local government, Chief Bosun Osaloni, called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the “Start-Up Kits” given to them, in the quest for poverty eradication.
