Grassroots Driven Mechanisms Will Address Poverty, Social Inequality- Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeenhas has called for community-focused initiatives to tackle poverty and social inequality in the country.

Abbas made the call at the inauguration of the House Committee on Community and Social Development Agency/NG-Cares, saying grassroots-driven mechanisms are needed to deliver measurable poverty reduction and enhance economic self-reliance.

He noted that community-based interventions can stimulate local production, fortify social capital, and generate ownership, citing the success of NG-CARES, which has reached over 2 million Nigerians with livelihood grants and social transfers.

Represented by the Minority Whip, Isiaka Ibrahim, Dr Abbas emphasised the significance of community and social development, tasking members of the Committee to discharge their duty with a sense of patriotism.

The committee’s mandate is to recommend policies, projects, and programs to address developmental challenges in rural and suburban communities.

He further noted that the role of institutions such as the Community and Social Development Agency and the NG-CARES initiative has become increasingly vital, particularly in a post-pandemic fiscal environment marked by inflationary pressures and fragile livelihoods.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Kusada said the NG-CARES initiative gives an opportunity to translate government’s well-intended programs and projects into reflective actions to provide succour to the populace.

He noted that the newly inaugurated Committee has already worked out a work-plan that captures a guide for the committee to deliver on the mandate, focusing on strategic oversight, legislative support and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that CSDA fulfills its developmental objectives.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji