As the world commemorates International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a former gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressive Congress, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir has charged political elites, influential figures and all levels of government to undertake poverty mitigation measures aimed at different sections of global society.
According to the philanthropist, global leaders specifically African governments must ensure that larger chunk of their budgets is earmarked for agriculture to further boost food security in the continent.
He made these known while delivering a speech on the celebration of the day.
The Wazirin Hausa urged the Nigerian government to avert over dependence on crude oil and create enabling environment for Small and Medium Scale Businesses.
Alhaji Gobir reiterated the need for government and concerned individuals to financially empower the poor as well as artisans and small business owners to drive them out oif incapacitating poverty which he termed as appaling and has over the years carved ways for insecurity.
He similarly, urged all tiers of government and well to do citizens to join hands to empower families, especially women and youth who are the most vulnerable, so that the cycle of poverty is eradicated.
Waziri Gobir added that affluent Africans and Nigerians in particular should make concerted effort to safeguard the human rights and dignity of the people living in penury – stressing that children who are African future leaders deserve preferential treatment and care.
The business mogul eulogised the school feeding programme of the Federal Government and admonished all States of the Federation to to follow suit as it is the right of every child to live a luxurious life regardless of their race, religion and abilities.
He therefore linked the high rate of crime today across the globe to poverty, hence the need for government and various political leaders to quickly address the menace.
In his effort to stem the tides of poverty in the society, Alhaji Gobir noted that the Gobir Organisation Foundation in collaboration with some Nigerian banks is providing economic empowerment for thousands of women traders in Kwara state with interest-free loans to boost their trade.