The 36 State Governments of the federation have been challenged on the need to address the level of poverty among rural dwellers to make life more meaningful for rural communities.
Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, made the federal government’s position known while addressing State House correspondents at the end of the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council. FEC in Abuja.
He emphasised that State governments must brace-up and do more to alleviate poverty in the rural communities across the country.
Agba also stated that at the federal level, the Government is putting out so much money but not seeing so much reflection in terms of monies that has been put into alleviating poverty.
The Minister, however, accused the Governors of only functioning in their State capitals, and that the democracy which politicians preach about is delivering the greatest goods to the greatest number of people.
According to him, a recent survey has shown that the country’s poverty is mostly found in the rural areas, adding that Sokoto State has the highest poverty rate in Nigeria.
Also, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami disclosed that the Council approved 630 million naira for the engagement of a consultancy services firm.
