Prof Olagoke Tasks Government On Poverty Reduction..

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By Taye Akinrinlola

A former Dean of the School of Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun state has expressed great
worry at the deteriorating living conditions of the masses in Nigeria, expecially the physically challenged, orphans and widows, and has therefore challenged Government at all levels to take urgent and proactive measures at ameliorating these myriads of problems, all aimed at Poverty Reduction within the society.

Olagoke Ariyo, a Professor of Mechanical engineering and Comparative Studies gave this admonition on Saturday 18th November 2023, while delivering a lecture at an empowerment programme organised by Hands of Love Family, a Non Governmental Organisation, seeking better lives for the Widows, less privileged, orphans, physically challenged and the downtrodden in the society.

In the lecture titled, Assisting The Less Privileged; How it begins with you, Prof Olagoke emphatically stated “We expect Government to take care of all, in her annual budget with respect to all encompassing funding formula that takes care of people’s welfare and wellness, without discrimination or marginalisation ”
Without taking social status as the only
consideration.

Prof Olagoke said there should be the promotion of all inclusive society that is expected to afford all able and disabled to have rights to basic needs and infrastructure, education , Housing, employment opportunities, Manufacturing and productions, Food, health care services among many other privileges.

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He therefore advised Government officials to shun ostentatious lifestyles at the expense of the masses and do the needful by channeling funds to projects that will impact positively on the people .

While commending the founder of the organisation, Prof Olagoke described Mrs Gloria Ukagwu as an epitome of Philanthropy. He commended her efforts and asked her not to relent in her efforts as greater reward awaits her from God.
Palliative materials, including Food stuffs, Provisions, clothing materials and cash gifts were distributed to about 800 less privileged people present.
The founder, Mrs Ukagwu estimated the cost at about five million naira.
She expressed her passion to help the less privileged, a project dear to her heat and which she has been doing for over ten years.