Experts Raise Alarm,As Over 18.3 Million children Are Out Of School
Experts Raise Alarm,As Over 18.3 Million children Are Out Of School
…..87 Million Nigerians Live Below Poverty Line- UNDP
………Akinyemi advocates for poverty eradication through education
By Frank Odinukaeze
A new study by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP, has revealed that over 18.3 million Children in Nigeria are out of school roaming the streets,even as the World Bank has noted that over 87 Million Nigerians Live Below Poverty Line.
Speaking at the United Nations Day of Eradicating Poverty, with the theme : “Eradicating Social and Institutional Maltreatment,Acting Together For Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates( IAWPA),HRM Eberechukwu Oji,Eze Aro the 1X of Arochukwu Kingdom, who was the Royal Father of the day,noted that Nigeria despite being blessed with abundant resources ,is ranked second poorest nation in the World ,after India.
He said,” 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report by UNDP show that 1.1 billion of 6.3 billion people live in acute multidimensional poverty, over half of them children.
L-R HRM Eberechukwu Oji Eze Aro the ix of Arochukwu Kingdom flanked by his adorable wife and International Director IAWPA Professor Chidi Ehirilodo,at the IAWPA event in Lagos
“In 2024, around 429 million people in Africa were living in extreme poverty, with the poverty threshold at 2.15 U.S. dollars a day according to reports.
“According to the World Bank, despite having the largest economy and population in Africa, Nigeria offers limited opportunities to most of its citizens.
“The poverty rate is estimated to have reached 38.9% in 2023, with an estimated 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line — the world’s second-largest poor population after India”.
L-R HRM Amb.Dr Amb.Joseph Okikiola Ikudaisi Shomade, HRM Eberechukwu Oji Eze Aro the ix of Arochukwu Kingdom, International Director IAWPA Professor Chidi Ehirilodo and a guest at the IAWPA event in Lagos
HRM Eberechukwu Oji,who was among those appointed as Eminent Peace Ambassador of the United Nations, expressed his profound gratitude to the organisers of the event
“It is with profound gratitude and deep humility that I stand before you today as the recipient of this prestigious award from the International Association of World Peace Advocates. Being recognized as an Ambassador of Peace is not just an honor, but a sacred responsibility that I hold dear to my heart.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the International Association of World Peace Advocates for their tireless efforts in promoting peace across the globe.
“Your dedication and commitment to fostering a world where harmony and understanding thrive is truly inspiring. It is through platforms such as these that we come together, united in our purpose, to build bridges across the divides that separate us.” he said.
L-R HRM Eberechukwu Oji,Eze Aro the 1X of Arochukwu Kingdom,in a handshake with Dr,Amb.Chukwuemeka Clement Omenma Iwegbuna,shortly after their appointments as UN Eminent Ambassadors of Peace,By the IAWPA,at Virginrose resort Hotel, Victoria Island , Lagos
He added that,”As someone who believes in the power of faith and spirituality, I have always been guided by the principles of peace, love, and mutual respect that are embedded in the religious teachings I hold dear. My faith has taught me that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, compassion, and understanding.
“I have had the privilege of using my role in religious circles to promote dialogue and collaboration among people of different backgrounds. Through interfaith discussions, community outreach, and spiritual teachings, I have sought to bring individuals closer to a shared understanding that despite our differences, we are all bound by our common humanity.
“Religion, when used as a force for good, has the power to heal wounds, restore hope, and inspire unity. I have witnessed firsthand how faith-based approaches can help mediate conflicts, build trust, and encourage reconciliation.
“By emphasizing shared values such as compassion, forgiveness, and love for one’s neighbor, I have sought to instill in others the belief that peace is achievable—if we all commit to nurturing it.”
Meanwhile,in a compelling keynote speech delivered at the United Nations International Day for Poverty Eradication, Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi emphasized the critical role of education in eradicating poverty. Speaking at the Virginrose Resorts Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Akinyemi outlined a strategic approach to tackle poverty through a comprehensive educational reform.
Dr. Akinyemi began by defining the core issues: poverty, the need for its eradication, and the tool to achieve this—education. He highlighted the United Nations’ categorization of basic needs, including water, food, clothing, and shelter, and stressed the importance of addressing these through systematic educational initiatives.
He criticized the colonial legacy of Africa’s educational systems, which were designed to enhance stewardship rather than foster development. Drawing comparisons with countries like China, India, Singapore, and Malaysia, Dr. Akinyemi urged African nations to redesign their educational systems to align with their developmental goals.
Dr. Akinyemi advocated for both formal and informal education systems. He praised the Indigenous Apprenticeship System, which has produced successful entrepreneurs like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Michael Adeojo, and Mr. Peter Obi. He lamented the decline of the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria, which once produced successful businessmen but has now been corrupted by political and religious influences.
Highlighting the alarming statistics of out-of-school children in Nigeria, Dr. Akinyemi called for an emergency declaration on education to combat poverty. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021, three in four children aged 7-14 years cannot read with understanding or solve simple mathematics problems. He emphasized the need for an educational system that combines formal schooling with practical, experience-based learning.
Dr Akinyemi opined that time has come for Nigeria to jettison the western model of education which he noted is no longer relevant to our present realities.He said,”Boy-Boy is the age-long successful Igbo Apprenticeship System to Wealth
“If the Igbo ‘boy-boy’ system is so successful and has proven sustainable; Why won’t we recognize, adopt and incorporate it into our formal system of education”
According Dr Akinyemi present regional poverty stats(percentage of population in each region),indicates thus:
North Central (NC), 60.7%
North East (NE), 69.1%
North West (NW), 71.4%
South West (SW), 49.8%
South East (SE), 59.5%
South South (SS), 55.5%
He submitted that ,”Total education would attend to schooling the head as the seat of intellect, the heart as the seat of morals and the hands as the home of skills.”
Dr. Akinyemi concluded by urging stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach to education, integrating both formal and informal systems to create a robust framework for poverty eradication.
His speech resonated with the audience, underscoring the urgent need for educational reforms to achieve sustainable development and eradicate poverty in Africa.
Speaking at the event,which was massively attended by people from all walks of life, including traditional rulers and technocrats , International Director of IAWPA, Professor Chidi Ehirilodo,who also stood in for the President of World Peace,His Eminence Ambassador Per Stafsen from the Kingdom of Denmark,expressed doubt over the nation being capable of totally Eradicating Poverty.
” We have everything in this country to make the nation great,but the question : Is there hope?I do not see poverty being totally eradicated ,we can only think of how to reduce it.
He said bad policies are responsible for the present situation the nation finds itself.
” The nation is groaning,the youth are groaning as a result of bad policies.” he noted.
He took a swipe on the educational system of the country,and submitted that there is need for reforms.
” Our education was tailored to suit our Colonial Masters ,we can redesign it to suit our peculiar circumstances.” he suggested
Dr.Ehirilodo argued that the good values we inherited from our Colonial Masters are not put into good use.He said the Nigerian situation has become very worrisome,as the poverty level has reached alarming proportion.
He said,” You don’t provoke people to promote peace.We cannot escape violence if the people are hungry”, stressing that there would be no peace if people are hungry.
” If we must promote peace in Nigeria,we must address the issue of poverty”. he opined.
He aligned his thoughts with those of Dr Akinyemi,the keynote speaker,that Informal education is what the nation needs now to reduce poverty,noting that western education has eroded our African values.
In an interview with one of the newly appointed United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador,Pastor Bode Owoeye,asked how he feels about the appointment,had this to say,,”For me it is a challenge to do more of what you have been doing.It is a challenge to commit more to social development and lending helping hands to as many as can be supported, to be lifted from whatever level of life they find themselves in.Like today’s emphasis, is a day of eradication of poverty,and that has been what we have been doing before now,and this will further energise us to do more.
“Today we are being recognised for some of the things we have been seeing or doing.
Asked how he intends to address the issue of poverty in his church, community and his immediate environment,Pastor Ambassador Owoeye said,” I was very intrigued , hearing the direction of the discussion today on eradication of poverty in our society.Already we have been running a program like that .We run a school for the under privileged.We run a free school that has a free tuition.We have about 600 students presently that we are taking care of.We are glad that we are doing this.From the keynote address,we noticed that the emphasis is actually on education. Because that’s where you get minds developed,and people challenged,and then people are lifted to become responsible in society.And so I’m inspired to do more from what we are doing before now”
High point of the event was the award or appointment of United Nations Eminent Ambassadors of Peace.They were ten receivers of the award or appointment, including the facilitator of the event Professor Jaivbo Ojigbo Onyeka, Dr Chukwuemeka Clement Iwegbuna Omenma amongst others .
Professor Onyeka in an interview notes that ,”The newly appointed peace ambassador were carefully selected, based on their track records of service ,and excellence to their respective communities.
“Therefore it’s expected that they will help to implement the SDGS in their specific fields to much wider communities in Lagos state particularly. “They are also expected to promote peace through mediation in their circles. By lending their voices to promote skills and vocation, i believe a lot more people will be empowered economically.”
The amiable professor added,”As the Director General for the Lagos East Senatorial District I will champion the implementation of more grassroots efforts in both empowering people and maintaining peace at all times” she assured.
Director General, Lagos East Senatorial District,IAWPA, Professor Jaivbo Ojigbo Onyeka PhD.
Spokes person of International Association of World Peace Advocates,His Eminence, Ambassador Emmanuel Nkweke, admonished the awardees to see their appointment as a call to duty, urging them to upscale their activities by uplifting the well being of Nigerians ,and eradicating poverty in their various communities ,why ensuring peace at all times.
Professor Onyeka PhD, Director General Lagos East Senatorial District IAWPA,and Spokesman of IAWPA His Eminence Ambassador Emmanuel Nkweke
Professor Chidi Ehirilodo, International Director, IAWPA presented the award certificates to the recepiens.There were side attractions to entertain the guests.
