Duke, dons urge leaders to muster political-will to end poverty in Nigeria
Moses Oyediran, Enugu
The former Governor of Cross River‎ State Chief Donald Duke has urged Nigerian leaders to begin to muster political-will and strategy for vision implementation so as to end poverty in the country.
Duke gave the advice at a forum called the Big Idea Podium organized by the African Heritage Institute (Afri-Heritage) at the weekend in Enugu.
The forum was themed: “Ending Poverty in Nigeria; Using What You Have to Get What You Want.’’
He explained that where political-will and strategy were lacking, all efforts by the leaders to move the economy forward would be nothing.
He noted that for a country to come out of poverty, her economic growth rate must be designed annually and consecutively, at least for the period of 10 years.
The former governor called for bottom-up economy in Nigeria which is by way of creating jobs, making credit affordable, providing infrastructure, involving Industries in agricultural processes, having quality healthcare delivery services as well as education among others.
One of the discussant in the forum, Prof. Stella Okunna, advised leaders to focus more on education, adding that education enlightens and encourages people.
Okunna called on leaders to discourage early marriage and street begging so as to help the nation to come out of poverty.
Another discussant, Prof. Josephine Alumanah, called on government to empower women at all levels added that it would reduce poverty in the country.
Alumanah urged government to discourage multiple taxes on the citizens for everyone to have enable environment for business.
She said that constant provision of stable electricity, food security and jobs for the youths would go a long way to end poverty.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Director of the Afri-Heritage, Prof. Ufo Okeke-Uzodike, said that the leaders needed to create enabling environment for people to succeed.
He stated that Nigerians should shun greed, corruption and avoid politicising ethnicity, religion and origin to develop.
Afri-Heritage is an academic think-tank for socio-economic and political matters.
