By: Femi Mustapha
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has urged stakeholders to adopt the Oghara Declaration as a roadmap for inclusive development and poverty eradication in Nigeria.
This appeal was made during a one-day event held at Western Delta University in Oghara, Delta State, to commemorate the 2025 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of ANEEJ, emphasized that poverty in Nigeria is not merely an issue of income; it arises from systemic exclusion, institutional neglect, and ineffective governance structures that rob millions of Nigerians of their dignity, opportunities, and a voice.
He highlighted the importance of sustainable livelihood programs, such as climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology, and decentralized energy, to empower communities.
The Oghara Declaration outlines several key actions to combat poverty in Nigeria, including:Eliminating institutional and social maltreatment of vulnerable families, strengthening social protection and safety nets for the poorest and most excluded populations, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology, and community-led food systems.
- Decentralizing energy production and access through community-owned renewable energy projects, leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to enhance public service delivery and development planning and
Building the capacity of civil society organizations and citizens to demand accountability and transparency.
Additionally, the launch of the Oghara Gown-Town Initiative will serve as a platform for academic-community collaboration focused on poverty eradication and addressing environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, including issues like oil spills and gas flaring.
To promote inclusive access to clean energy, the event featured the presentation of mini-solar lighting systems to ten women selected through a transparent random number picking process. This initiative aims to alleviate energy poverty and increase the resilience of women in low-income households.
Participants urged the Federal and Delta State Governments, the private sector, development partners, and communities to adopt and implement the Oghara Declaration as a blueprint for inclusive development and poverty eradication.
They stressed that technology, when used equitably, can be a catalyst for ending poverty, provided it is accessible, locally adapted, and ethically deployed.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable future where no one is left behind.
