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Just In: Cash Distribution Will Never Combat Poverty – Atiku

Published

6 years ago

November 21, 2018

Jennifer Akamanu

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, does not think direct cash distribution to the poor can help combat poverty, as he takes a different policy path to President Muhammadu Buhari on addressing the malaise.

The Buhari administration has a string of special intervention programmes operated to tackle poverty, a scourge that has taken a soaring nature in Nigeria, ironically Africa’s largest economy by GDP size and largest oil producer.

According to the World Bank 2017 Atlas of Sustainable Development Goals, between 1990 and 2013, Nigeria added 35 million people to its poverty population, jumping from 51 million to 86 million (and now over 100 million). Of the 10 populous countries surveyed, Nigeria is the only country that failed to reduce poverty.

By 2018, Nigeria has overtaken China and is only behind India, arguably, with the highest number of extremely poor people within one national territory.

Among the Buhari anti-poverty programmes, Trader Moni offers N10,000 cash to market women (and men) trading in a few markets across the country. There is also a N5,000 monthly grant to ‘poorest Nigerians’. The latter does not offer up to $1 a day to the beneficiaries, falling below the $1.9/day global poverty line.

“Rather than direct cash distribution,” says Mr Abubakar in the policy document he launched at the start of the campaign towards the 2019 elections on Monday, “What we shall do (is to) provide skill acquisition opportunities and enterprise development for job and wealth creation (and) improve citizens’ access to basic infrastructure services – water, sanitation, power, education and health care.”

He also vows he would help “marginalised and vulnerable citizens” remove discrimination and enhance their access to education and income-generating activities as well as “implement pro-poor policies that will enhance their participation in economic activities and improve household income.”

Ultimately, Mr Abubakar, a former vice-president, promises to lift 50 million people out of poverty by 2025. To execute this ambition, there are no specifics or mentioning of the steps to be taken in Mr Abubakar’s policy document.

Instead, the PDP candidate says he would “reconcile the link between economic growth and human development through proper selection of effective polices on education and health, and set as our major policy objective the transformation of the agricultural sector into a viable high-income generating enterprise for the rural workers.”

But in social media event to kick off his campaign, he mentioned it would take two years to achieve the goal of removing 50 million Nigerians from poverty.

He spoke of “investments (that) will create a minimum of 2.5 million jobs annually and lift at least 50 million people from poverty in the first two years.”

“If he says creating 2.5 million jobs would lift 50 million people out of poverty, that is almost impossible to achieve given that Nigeria’s average household is about five or six persons,” economist Mohammed Al-Salafi said, pointing to flaws in Mr Atiku’s policy ambition. “So we could expect to see about 15 million people who would benefit from that policy, assuming it comes to fruition.”

Meanwhile, one other programme of the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, N-Power, is not about direct cash distribution. It deploys thousands of unemployed graduates to fill inadequacies in public services in education, health and civic education, with N30,000 monthly benefit. It is the country’s poster work-for-cash social programme to address the challenge of unemployment.

However, it comes short of fitting into the standard definition of conditional cash transfer (CCT), contrary to the government’s boasts.

CCT programmes transfer cash to poor households based on the condition that the beneficiaries demonstrate pre-specified investments in the human capital of the members of the households, especially children.

In other words, they are not just for the recipients to use for clothing and feeding, but also to combat wider effects of poverty and social problems a country faces such as low-school enrolment rate, poor rate of vaccinations for children, gender disparities and malnutrition, among others.

For instance, in Bangladesh and Cambodia, CCTs have been used to drive a reduction in gender disparities in education, the World Bank reports.

In the case of Nigeria, however, there are no conditions that beneficiaries of social programmes need to demonstrate; for instance, enrolling their children in school – to tackle the country’s notorious problem of high number of children out of school.

At any rate, Mr Abubakar’s current plan does not get to grips with the gaps in the current administration’s policy and consequently offers no remedy.

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Pernod Ricard’s CEO for Africa and Middle East Visits Nigeria, Reinforcing Market Commitment Amidst Dynamic Landscape

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1 day ago

November 6, 2024

august24admin

Pernod Ricard’s CEO for Africa and Middle East Visits Nigeria, Reinforcing Market Commitment Amidst Dynamic Landscape

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

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SUNU Nigeria’s Free Mammogram/Breast cancer Screening Receives Positive FeedbackSUNU Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2024

august24admin

SUNU Nigeria’s Free Mammogram/Breast cancer Screening Receives Positive FeedbackSUNU Nigeria –

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, a leading insurance company and SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, a reputable health maintenance organization (HMO) in Nigeria, has received overwhelming positive feedback from beneficiaries of its recent free 3D mammogram-breast cancer screening initiative.

The program was launched to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide early detection services, was widely lauded by participants.As gathered, SUNU Nigeria remains committed to promoting preventive healthcare and empowering women.

Through the offering of free breast cancer screenings, the company aims to reduce the burden of breast cancer and improve the overall health and well-being of Nigerian women.

The initiative, which took place at DIAMED Centre, located at heart of Lekki, Lagos, attracted a large number of women from diverse backgrounds.

The screening process, which included mammograms and clinical breast examinations, was conducted by experienced medical professionals.Mrs Ajayi Funmilola, one of the 100 women who benefited from the screening exercise expressed her gratitude to the company.

“I’m so grateful to SUNU Nigeria for providing this free advanced mammogram screening. Of course, early detection is key, and this initiative has given me peace of mind.

Thank you for prioritizing women’s health”.Another beneficiary, Arogudade Feyisayo said, “The 3D mammogram screening offered by SUNU Nigeria was a game-changer.

It was a quick, painless, and thorough experience. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to benefit from this initiative, I hope the company continue to be productive as they continue and increase the tempo in the future”.

“I’m incredibly happy to have had the opportunity to undergo a free 3D mammogram screening. It’s heartwarming to see a company like SUNU Nigeria prioritizing women’s health. May God continue to bless and prosper your organization,” commented Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi.

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Yusuf Japari, Head of Corporate Services at SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility, stating that the free mammogram screening is just one example of the company’s commitment to improving public health.

Mrs Yusuf stated, “At SUNU Nigeria, we believe in giving back to the community. By providing free 3D mammogram screenings, we’re not just offering healthcare; we’re empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being.

We are committed to continuing these initiatives to improve public health.”Dr. (Mrs.) Abiola Olorode, CEO of Diamed Centre stated that her facility is proud to partner with SUNU Nigeria to offer free breast cancer screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “By joining forces, we aim to promote early detection, educate women about breast cancer prevention, and ultimately save lives. We thank SUNU Nigeria for their commitment to improving public health and for sharing our vision of a healthier future.” SUNU Nigeria, encompassing SUNU Assurances and SUNU Health, is dedicated to improving as well as adding comfort to the lives of Nigerians.

SUNU Assurances offers reliable insurance coverage, while SUNU Health provides cost-effective healthcare solutions.

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Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in Style This Season at Transcorp Hilton Abuja

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2024

august24admin

Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in Style This Season at Transcorp Hilton Abuja

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

As December approaches, there is a buzz in the air, and people everywhere are starting to feel the magic of Christmas. Streets are filled with lights, homes are filled with vibrant decorations, and family plans for the holidays are well underway.

For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the festive spirit this year, Transcorp Hilton Abuja promises to be a holiday destination like no other, subtly transforming into a Christmas haven.

A Festive Transformation Like No Other

The Christmas season always brings with it a sense of warmth and celebration, and stepping into Transcorp Hilton Abuja this December will be like entering a world of Christmas magic. Visitors will be met with dazzling lights, shimmering ornaments, and beautifully crafted décor designed to spark joy and create a sense of wonder. The festive transformation at Transcorp Hilton Abuja is a nod to the holiday spirit, crafted to make guests feel like they’re part of something truly special.

Holiday Feasts with a Festive Twist

No Christmas experience is complete without a delicious spread, and Transcorp Hilton Abuja is ready to bring out the best of both traditional and contemporary festive flavours. This year’s holiday buffet will offer an array of treats, perfect for those who appreciate a hearty meal that captures the season’s spirit. The hotel’s talented chefs have worked tirelessly to prepare a Christmas dining experience that is both memorable and fitting for any holiday celebration.

Activities for Family & Friends to Enjoy Together

Christmas is a time for family, and the holiday lineup at Transcorp Hilton Abuja will include activities that bring everyone closer together. From cheerful carol singing to hands-on experiences like bead-making and festive games for kids, there’s something for everyone. With special appearances by Santa Claus, children can look forward to joyful surprises, making Transcorp Hilton Abuja a wonderful setting for families to make memories together.

Moments to Unwind in Holiday Comfort
For those looking to escape the holiday rush and unwind, Transcorp Hilton Abuja also offers spaces designed for pure relaxation. With accommodations overlooking Abuja’s skyline and a holiday-themed spa offering rejuvenating treatments, guests can relax and recharge before rejoining the celebrations. The tranquil atmosphere of the hotel provides the perfect balance to the holiday excitement.

Ring in the New Year with Elegance
As 2025 approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja invites everyone to ring in the new year in style with its New Year’s Eve Gala and New Year Countdown, making way for fresh starts and new memories.

Join the Celebration at Transcorp Hilton Abuja

This season, the warmth, joy, and traditions of Christmas come alive at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, a place ready to welcome all who wish to make this holiday season unforgettable. Whether you are looking for a festive family retreat, a romantic getaway, or a joyful celebration with friends, this is a destination crafted to capture the essence of Christmas.

This December, let the spirit of the season come alive—celebrate in the heart of Abuja, where every moment is filled with the magic of Christmax