Obasanjo Engages in Poverty Eradication Campaign

from All Africa

Daily Trust (Abuja)

NEWS

By Hamisu Muhammad
Abuja

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has embarked on a grassroot economic development campaign known as the Village Economic Development Solutions (VEDS) developed by the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP).

The scheme is part of President Umaru Yar'Adua's new innovative schemes being implemented through the NAPEP to eradicate poverty at the grassroots.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is at the vanguard of the village economic development solution through his community development association.

A statement from the press secretary to the NAPEP National Coordinator Ekaete Umo, said a Community meeting held in Ibogun, where NAPEP's national coordinator, Dr. Magnus L. Kpakol was invited, it was discovered that a number of projects embarked upon by the community were so successful that more funds were needed now for expansion.

Speaking at the occasion, Obasanjo told his people that there was need to brace up for the task of the community building and emancipation before any further assistance could be received from government agencies.

He expressed appreciation and that of his community for the NAPEP support in areas of micro credit and technical expertise imparted on the people.

The national coordinator of NAPEP, who was a guest of the Ibogun community meeting, expressed delight at the progress made by the community in developing themselves and their kingdom.

Dr. Kpakol added that the 'VEDS' scheme will be launched in all the villages in the country to spur economic activities that will guarantee the attainment of the 7-point agenda of the Yar'Adua administration.

Already, the community is participating in other NAPEP agricultural and processing schemes amounting to about N20 million.

In another development, Dr. Magnus L. Kpakol has assured the people of Sabon Layi, a suburb of Bauchi state capital that assistance would soon reach them enable them to carry out their planned economic projects.

Dr. Kpakol told the village Development Association meeting at Sabo Layi that a new scheme known as VEDS will partner with them in support of economic activities aimed at eradicating poverty in the village.

He said the VEDS programme is part of President Yar'Adua's innovative strategy to make the country one of the best economies by the year 2020.

The NAPEP boss appealed to all Nigerians to support village economic growth by actively participating in the development of their villages. The VEDS scheme will be formally launched by President Umaru Yar'Adua before the end of the year.