By Aderogba George
Elizabeth Omini, the founder/Controller General, Harmony Corps of Nigeria (HCN), on Tuesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to accelerate its poverty eradication efforts.
She said this during a seminar organised by the corps. It had as its theme: “A world United for Change: Ending Poverty, Fraud and Inequality Through Global Cooperation and Harmony.
Omini said through cooperation, transparency and accountability poverty could be drastically reduced globally.
While acknowledging the role of governments in poverty alleviation, she said it required collective efforts to be properly addressed.
“We must acknowledge the devastating impact of poverty. It is a scourge that affects billions, robbing them of dignity, opportunity and hope. We can eradicate poverty through sustainable development, education, and economic empowerment.
“We must confront the cancer of fraud. It undermines trust, distorts markets, and steals from the vulnerable. We can combat fraud through transparency, accountability, and collective action.
“We must address the injustice of inequality. It is a barrier to progress, a source of conflict, and a betrayal of our shared humanity.
“We can end inequality through inclusive policies, social justice, and human rights,” she said.
Omini said that to achieve a Nigeria of our dream required unity in diversity, as well as recognising that individual struggles were interlinked.
“We must also harness the power of global cooperation, work together to share knowledge, resources and best practices, as well as support one another in the quest for a better world.
“We must cultivate harmony, embrace diversity, celebrate our differences and find a common ground and recognise that every destiny is intertwined’’, she said.
The keynote speaker, Mr Musa Chantu, a retired member of staff of National Orientation Agency called on government to initiate people-friendly policies.
According to him, government should consult widely before announcing any policy.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Estu Nupe, urged the Federal Government to assimilate Harmony Corps of Nigeria (HCN) into the public service.
The traditional ruler was represented at the event by Alhaji Rajab-Naibi Abdulrahman, the Waziri Hasken Nupe.
Abubakar said doing so would create more jobs for the teeming unemployed young Nigerians.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA