…Says, ‘no child should go to bed without food’
At an event to commemorate the 2025 World Poverty Day, with the theme, ‘Leave No One Behind: A Collective Call to End Poverty,’ the Enugu State government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have called for collective action from traditional rulers, citizens, communities, civil society organisations (CSOs) and international partners to tackle poverty head-on.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, Benedette Okoli, noted that no human, regardless of where they live or circumstances of their birth, should live in deprivation.
Okoli said that poverty was not only about lack of income, but access to education, healthcare, social protection and dignity, adding that government alone cannot eradicate poverty.
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“It entails the benefit of growth, development and opportunity reach every home, child and community,” she said.
According to her, “When we support local livelihoods, when we mentor a youth, when we invest in rural enterprises, or when we design inclusive policies, we are taking concrete steps toward ending poverty.
“Let us remember that compassion without action changes nothing; awareness without engagement delivers no result.
Today, our call is for partnership, from every sector to act with urgency and purpose,” she said.
The commissioner called for renewed commitment to build a future where no child goes to bed hungry, where men and women can live and work with dignities in every community with a fair chance to thrive.
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In a goodwill message, Judith Leveille, Chief Field Services and Emergency, UNICEF Abuja, said that the organisation was partnering the state government to fight the scourge of poverty.
“At UNICEF, we believe that no child should grow up in poverty and that no family should have to struggle alone.
“That is why we are committed to supporting families and governments in building inclusive systems that not only measure poverty but actively work to reduce it.
“Tackling poverty demands more than increasing income; it calls for holistic support systems that protect, nurture and empower individuals and families.
“It requires us to hear the voices of families, recognise their basic needs and build institutions rooted in trust, dignity and respect to help address this need,” the UNICEF official said.
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The State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, attributed poverty to the increasing cases of gender-based violence in the country.
Enih, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Nkechi Ewih, revealed that poverty was more pronounced in the rural communities and among persons with disabilities.
According to her, anything that would be done to end poverty in Enugu State and Nigeria at large is a welcome development.
