The Dean, faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Abdul-Lateef Oladimeji, says the government need to address poverty to put a stop to violence in the country.
Oladimeji said this while delivering a lecture on the topic ‘Diabolical Conspiracy of Nigerian Elites In Fostering Insecurity and Poverty on Nigerians’ at a luncheon organised by the University of Ife Muslim Graduates Association, UNIFEMGA.
His recommendations read: “Government should address more holistically the issue of poverty alleviation as well as economic empowerment in the country so that idle hands are not used for creating violence and insecurity in the country.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria should address more sincerely the problems of the Al-majiris with the view to properly engaging them in meaningful skills so that mischief makers do not employ this innocent youths for criminal activities.
“Nigeria should be properly overhauled in order to meet the requirements of Nigerians on democratization. The present political office holders creates more problems than solutions by their flagrant promotion of corruption at all levels of governance.
“Nigerian leaders should exhibit honesty, transparency and the fear of God in their activities so that Nigeria shall continue to enjoy the spirit of true multi ethnic and multi religious society.
“Policy makers should be sincere, realistic, practical and pragmatic in their approach to policy making. Hope only comes to a people when policy directions are driven by the real needs of the people and in their best interests.”
Meanwhile, UNIFEMGA’s National President, Abdul-Fattah Olanlege says his administration has initiated steps to leverage on some the association’s strengths to close its gaps.
“Some of these (strategies) include recruiting and engaging youths, live membership database, professional networking and mentoring, internal and external media visibility, diaspora integration into programs etc
“Our focus over the next few years will be centred around 3E’s. Educate, Empower and Empathize while building on the diversity pillars- Everyone Included, Everyone Engaged and Everyone Valued,” he noted.
He stressed that insecurity continues to be a growing challenge for the nation, impacting everyone.
“We implore the federal government to be more decisive in handling the situation (of kidnapping, insurgency and farmers-herdsmen crisis) and communicate more openly to earn the trust of the populace,” he added.
