The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye, on Thursday said there is no justification for the poverty of Nigerians, saying the country is blessed with sufficient resources to enable a more abundant life for its citizens.
Ajakaye called on Nigeria’s political leaders to eradicate poverty in the country, lead by example and make the welfare of citizens a priority.
Bishop Ajakaye stressed that governments, both at the state and federal levels, should put in place measures to ensure that Nigerians live lives of dignity.
He made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of vocational skills trainees and distribution of starter kits to 400 people trained by Caritas Nigeria, in Ekiti State.
The non-profit organization, founded by the Nigeria Catholic Bishops Conference, with the theme “Building Sustainable Livelihoods in Vibrant Community (B-SLiC) Project”, took place at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Center, Ado- Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State.
The Rev. Father Babangida Audu, Deputy Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, and Bishop Ajakaye both urged Nigerians, government and citizens, to work together to eradicate poverty, due to the country’s abundant natural resources.
“Nigeria has no reason to be poor, but unfortunately, we are still far from good governance, bad roads, unemployment and poverty in the country,” the religious leaders said.
They added that there is a failure in society, and both the government and citizens should be blamed in this regard.
“If we want to eradicate poverty in Nigeria, we can, but it is both the government and the citizens who must work on it. It is not just a government issue, everyone must be involved in the process “, they explained.
The clerics have lauded the donation agency for the empowerment of the underprivileged in the society in Ekiti State under the B-SLiC project.
Caritas Nigeria Humanitarian Services Director, Nkese Udongwo, explained that the idea was to train the most vulnerable in life skills so that they could generate income for themselves and their community. Trainees were trained in sewing, bead/bag making, shoe making, carpentry, telephone repair, aluminum, electrical, mechanics and cooking . They all received their certificates and starter kits.
The Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Municipal Council, Chief Bosun Osaloni, has called on beneficiaries to make good use of the starter kits given to them, warning them against selling the kits and encouraging them to use them to escape poverty.