By: Femi Mustapha
Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s development landscape have called for urgent, coordinated, and inclusive actions to address poverty in all its forms.
This call was made during a one-day event held to commemorate the 2025 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty at Western Delta University in Oghara, leading to the adoption of the Oghara Declaration on Action Against Poverty.
Organized by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) in collaboration with the Akora & Agnes Ugolor Foundation and Western Delta University, the event gathered traditional rulers, government officials, academics, civil society representatives, youth and women leaders, and members of the media to reflect on the theme: “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment by Ensuring Respect and Effective Support for Families.”
In his welcome address, Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of ANEEJ, highlighted the persistence of poverty in Nigeria, despite its wealth in human and natural resources. “Poverty is not just the absence of income,” he stated, “but the result of systemic exclusion, institutional neglect, and ineffective governance structures that deprive millions of Nigerians, particularly in the Niger Delta, of dignity, opportunity, and voice.”
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, a development consultant and researcher, emphasized the necessity for sustainable livelihood programs, including climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology, aquaculture, decentralized energy, post-harvest preservation, and skills development. He stressed that Nigeria’s ongoing reliance on technology is a significant barrier to poverty eradication and called for policy reforms, capacity building, and public-private investments to empower communities.
The Ovie (king) of Oghara Kingdom applauded the organizers in his remarks and urged stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, civil society, and academic bodies to promote locally-led development initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor of Western Delta University proposed a “Gown and Town” initiative aimed at enhancing knowledge transfer and innovation through partnerships with local communities. He also called for the establishment of AI training centers in Oghara to empower youth and bridge the digital divide.
In an effort to promote inclusive access to clean energy, the event featured the distribution of mini-solar lighting systems to 10 women, chosen through a transparent random selection process.
This initiative aims to alleviate energy poverty and enhance the resilience of women in low-income households. Five women from the Oghara community received the solar kits, presented by Chief Joseph Ogaga Ogunje (JP), the Vice Chancellor of Western Delta University, Prof. Augustine Ikelegbe, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Chief Douglas Edosovwa, and Rev. David Ugolor.
This gesture highlighted ANEEJ’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable solutions for poverty through access to clean energy.
Key Highlights of the Oghara Declaration:Reform governance systems to eliminate institutional and social maltreatment of vulnerable families. Strengthen social protection and safety nets targeting the poorest and most excluded populations. Promote climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology, and community-led food systems. Decentralize energy production and access through community-owned renewable energy projects.
- Leverage technology and artificial intelligence to enhance public service delivery and development planning.
- Support value addition and reduce post-harvest losses in agricultural value chains.
- Build the capacity of civil society organizations and citizens to demand accountability and transparency.
Launch the Oghara Gown-Town Initiative as a platform for academic-community collaboration on poverty eradication. - Address environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, including oil spills and gas flaring.
Participants urged the Federal and Delta State Governments, the private sector, development partners, and communities to adopt and implement the Oghara Declaration as a roadmap for inclusive development and poverty eradication. They emphasized 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.
