As the country nears another electioneering cycle in 2023, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, have advised Nigerians to rise up to ensure that only candidates who are committed to holistically implementing policies and programs aimed towards eradication of poverty are elected across board.
The Hispaniola X Deck (Lekki Chapter) of the National Association of Seadogs, stated this in a Press Release unveiling the Deck’s activities for marking this year’s INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY, that was made available to journalists yesterday in Lagos.
The Release, signed by Mr. Sunny Agbejuasun, Capoon of Hispaniola X Deck of NAS, disclosed that the Deck’s program for the 2022 international day for the eradication of poverty themed, “Dignity for All in Practice” reiterates the commitment of world bodies and government of all nation to end poverty in all form everywhere.
The celebration of this day as the international day for the eradication of poverty started in October 17, 1987 when over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger and by resolution 47/196 which was adopted in December 22, 1992, the UN General Assembly declared October 17 of every year as a day to mark and renew commitment for the eradication of poverty.
This commitment, the Pyrates asserted, can be captured by the word of the former secretary general of the United Nation, Kofi Anan in 2002 which state thus, “poverty is a denial of human rights” for every individual. Indeed, poverty is utterly appalling, not only does it lead to a life of daily deprivation, hunger and suffering, but it also prevents the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms, which every human being should be able to enjoy without hindrance.
The signed Press Release also added that a recent World Bank report puts the number of Nigerians projected to be living in extreme poverty at about 95 million. That is, people living on less than $1.90 per day. This number is a sharp increase of over 14% above the 81.5 million people reported in 2018/19.
While calling on government actors at all levels, institutions, and corporate bodies to also renew their commitment towards the eradication of poverty through positive actions, the Pyrates Confraternity noted that corruption, poor economic policies, low human capital, ineffective fiscal and monetary policy, and exposure to international shocks were compounding the poverty situation in Nigeria.
The Agbejuasun signed Press Release further stressed that corruption in high places accounts for the reason the minimal effort being put in place to eradicate poverty has been ineffective. Funds meant for holistic implementation of government policies and programs for the eradication of poverty were being looted without anyone being held accountable for such brazen looting.
“Recent estimate puts Nigeria’s loses at about $700 million monthly from crude oil theft and there seems to be no solution to the problem. Several cases of corruption are either stalled in trials or the perpetrators pardoned without completing their sentences.
“The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, through the press release, call on government at all levels to rise up to its responsibilities of ensuring poverty is eradicated in all its forms.”
