GOVERNMENTS MUST TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO TACKLE POVERTY, STREET BEGGING - KWANKWASO Gov. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state has said that poverty and begging can only be eliminated in developing countries if governments and the private sector evolve realistic strategies to reposition their people to become more active players in economic development. The governor made the assertion while addressing the inaugural session of the international conference on “Development of Social Enterprise and Social Business for Eradication of Extreme Poverty and Street Begging on the permanent campus of the International Islamic University, Kumira, Chittagong, Bangladesh on Friday. Kwankwaso argued that governments ought to make education their utmost priority and adopt holistic approach to tackle problems in the sector. In addition, he stated that governments must put in place enduring public infrastructure and map out strategies to mitigate unemployment, improve employability and self reliance. For instance, he said, in Kano, his administration has resolved to drive a knowledge-based economy by adopting a free education policy at all levels, even as sundry empowerment programmes were initiated for women and youths through the newly 24 institutes created by the government in order to mitigate poverty and eradicate street begging, which has been banned by a law passed by the state legislature. In his speech, Bangladesh State Minister for Finance and Planning, Mr. M.A. Mannan MP said it is possible to eradicate poverty to a great extent, adding that the present government of Bangladesh is committed to eliminating poverty, street begging and to increase the living standard of the citizens. The Minister further stressed the role of the NGOs also in this respect, adding that improving the lives of the people especially the underprivileged is a collective responsibility. Earlier, the Pro-VC of IIUC, Prof. Dr. Abu Bakkr Rafique in his welcome stated that the conference aimed to create awareness concerning poverty alleviation in developing countries, campaign for community-based village level direct actions for immediate eradication of begging and alleviation of poverty as well as to develop and strengthen network among the global researchers, academics and bodies involved in alleviation of poverty. The conference was organized by the Centre for Research and Publication (CRP) of International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC), in association with the Kano State Government, University Sains Islam Malaysia, Universiti Technologi MARA - Malaysia, Muslim Aid UK, and Abul Khair Group, Chittagong. About 350 participants from nine countries including Nigeria took part in the conference which held from 19-20 December, 2014. Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye, mni, fnge Director of Press and Public Relations to the Executive Governor 21/12/2014
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 15:46:20 +0000
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