By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi State Government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the private sector to fight poverty and its attendant consequences for the overall advancement of the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the commitment during the DAM Basketball Championship and Empowerment Program organized by DAM Foundation at Okene Club, Okene Local Government Area, on Monday evening.
Represented by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo emphasized that poverty is one of the greatest enemies of mankind; it reduces the self-esteem of a person and makes them feel inferior in the company of others. He noted that to fight the monster called destitution head-on, in order to lift the greatest number of people in the state out of poverty, there must be synergy between the government and private sectors.
Governor Ododo highlighted the various policies and initiatives implemented by the present administration to address poverty and crime, emphasizing that when people are hungry, there is a high tendency for them to be involved in crime.
He commended the chairman of the DAM Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Mustepha, for his support for the less privileged and the downtrodden in society, expressing the government’s willingness to collaborate with charitable organizations like the Foundation to engage youth, alleviate poverty, and foster harmonious community relations.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Abdullahi Mustepha, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and Chairman of the DAM Foundation, stated the foundation’s philanthropic endeavors aimed at supporting social causes, providing assistance to those in need, promoting education, delivering healthcare services, enlightening youth, and empowering individuals to live above poverty lines.
He said the 2024 edition of the Basketball Championship competition and Empowerment Program in Kogi State seeks to unite young people and equip them with the tools for sustainable living. Dr. Mustepha expressed gratitude to the governor for his consistent support in reaching out to the disadvantaged members of society.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of honor to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as the Sports Champion of the Year by the Chairman of the DAM Foundation.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor at the event were Hon. Onojah James, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security for Idah Federal Constituency, Sheikh Sani Momoh Musa, SSA to the Governor on Ethics and Values, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa, Chairman of Ofu Local Government, among other aides.
