NAN-H-11
Poverty
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2017(NAN) The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has urged federal and state governments to evolve policies that would eradicate poverty in the country.
Mrs Gloria Shoda, the President of NCWS, made the call in Abuja on Tuesday in a statement to mark the 2017 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
She expressed delight over that the association, along with millions of people around the world, was marking the 2017 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which theme is: “Answering the Call of October 17 to end poverty: A Path Toward Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”.
The NCWS leader underscored the urgent need to evolve sound policies to tackle the high level of poverty in the society, especially among women and rural dwellers.
She reiterated the need for governments at all levels to ensure peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, stressing that insecurity was a major factor promoting poverty.
Shoda noted that this year marked the 25th anniversary of the declaration by the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 47/196 of December 22, 1992, of October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
She also urged wealthy individuals and corporate bodies to support millions of Nigerians living below the poverty line.
She said the NCWS was committed to the reduction of poverty by collaborating with any interested group, to achieve this common goal.
‘‘So far, the NCWS is in close working relationship with the Bank of Industry in granting soft loans to women.
‘‘The pilot scheme has been commissioned in the FCT and has since spread to other states in the country.
‘‘It will cater for 30 beneficiaries per local government area of the 36 states of the federation including the FCT,’’ she said. (NAN)
DE/MOL/NKO
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Nkechi Okoronkwo
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