Nigeria Can Be Poverty-free in 2030, Says Fayemi

Ekiti State State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said the state would continue to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) vision of ensuring that poverty is banished across the developing nations, especially Nigeria, in 2030.

The governor said he was one of those incurable optimists, who shared the views that poverty can be eradicated in Nigeria in 2030, as projected, with diligent prosecution of the SDG’s programmes and policy.

Fayemi, who spoke in Ado Ekiti on Saturday during an event commemorating the 2019 International Youth Day, urged the youths to develop themselves intellectually and skillfully, to be able to compete with their contemporaries globally since the world is now a “global village.”

Some youths, who have distinguished themselves in the area of scholarship and other community based projects, were presented with medals at the event.

Fayemi, represented by his Chief of Staff, Biodun Omoleye, said: “the essence of the SDGs is to eradicate poverty globally and make the world a better place to live for everyone by 2030.

“Throughout the world, there is a new order that recognises the skills of young people, a new order that believes society must be devoid of poverty and diseases, a new order that believes people must live well, a world free of pollution and how do we get there?

“Governor Fayemi knew that any order that fails to empower the youths with leadership is bound to fail. The present government is ready to empower you, because you are our future.

“So, let your impacts be felt in your respective communities, because development starts from the grassroots. The SDGs scheme is to eradicate poverty before 2030, this can be attained with partnerhips among relevant stakehokders,” he stated.

The governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, also charged the youths to be focused, diligent and visionary, for them to be able succeed in life.

“You don’t need to rely on money to become fulfilled, with strong vision and focusness, you can become great. Lay your hands on productive ventures and run away from evils,” she said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Abimbola Solanke, in her remarks, described the interaction of her office with the youths as the first of its kind in the state since 2015 when the goals were adopted by the world leaders.