An international Non-Governmental Organisation, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, Nigeria has applauded the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia over the persistent, resilient, and doggedness in the fight against poverty in Benue State.
The Country Representative, Amb. Kolawole Rasheed Adenekan while making this known to the media on Sunday in Lagos State disclosed that the Governor’s initiative of establishing the Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation Bureau, as well as the Benue State International Cooperation and Development Bureau is a welcome development and a good strategy in fighting poverty in the state.
In his words, “Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation” in Nigeria, owes its title to the fertile lands and the hardworking nature of its inhabitants. However, despite its agricultural potential, the spectre of poverty looms large over its populace.
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“It is in this context that we turn our attention to the recent commendable initiatives by the Executive Governor Hyacinth, who has instituted profound strategies in the shape of the Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation Bureau and the Benue State International Cooperation and Development Bureau. These efforts signal a hopeful future, one that resonates with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty.”
“The establishment of the Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation Bureau is a visionary step that Governor Hyacinth has taken to bolster the economic landscape of Benue State. Recognising the dire need to evolve beyond subsistence farming, this initiative serves as an incubator for small to medium-enterprise scalability, equipping the youth and other stakeholders with the indispensable acumen to thrive in today’s competitive market.
“By kindling the entrepreneurial spirit and providing the necessary resources and training, the bureau will transform ordinary individuals into proprietors of their fortunes.”
“Parallel to this is the creation of the Benue State International Cooperation and Development Bureau, which underscores an innovative approach to governance. This bureau’s remit includes tapping into global partnerships and developmental programmes, thereby channelling international expertise and funds into the state’s developmental projects.
“By aligning local needs with international initiatives, Governor Hyacinth has paved a viable pathway for infrastructural as well as social development that is poised to lift individuals out of poverty.”
“The significant impact of these bureaus cannot be overstated. They serve as critical pathways to achieving SDG Goal 1, which encompasses various targets directed at eradicating poverty in all its forms everywhere.
“This ambitious target, as outlined by the United Nations, hinges not only on the increase of resources but also on the sustainable management of these resources.”
“Moreover, the focused approach taken by Governor Hyacinth and his administration has been lauded by the World Sustainable Development Goals Organization.
“The interconnectedness of poverty reduction strategies with sustainable development is critical. We have observed through the institutional support provided by the Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation Bureau, Benue State has seen a growing number of successful entrepreneur-led businesses, thereby leading to job creation and an upswing in the state’s gross domestic product (GDP).”
“While the contributions toward poverty reduction by the current administration are remarkable, it is imperative to acknowledge that the journey toward complete eradication of poverty is an ongoing battle that requires steadfast commitment and continuous innovation.
“It is here that the sustainable models adopted by Governor Hyacinth shine as beacons of hope and practical blueprints for other states to emulate. As agricultural reform takes centre stage, coupled with the fostering of international partnerships, Benue State is set to witness a reduction in poverty levels that could serve as an exemplar for the rest of Nigeria.”
“The appreciable strides made by Governor Hyacinth in establishing the Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation Bureau alongside the Benue State International Cooperation and Development Bureau are nothing short of visionary.
“These efforts, specifically tailored to address the dire poverty scenarios in Benue State, not only contribute to the attainment of SDG Goal 1—No Poverty but also showcase the pivotal role of state governance in socio-economic transformation.
“It stands as a testament that targeted, well-thought-out strategies can be effective in mitigating and eventually eradicating poverty, ensuring that the citizens of Benue State are empowered to lead more sustainable and prosperous lives.
“Governor Hyacinth’s ground-breaking initiatives offer concrete proof that with the right leadership, dedication and global cooperation, poverty can be addressed—ushering in a new era of prosperity and hope for the state”, Adenekan said.
