The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he was personally invited by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, spoke at the first session devoted to “Fight Against Hunger and Poverty.”
During the address Tinubu applauded Brazil government for the successful launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, stating that it’s a bold step that addresses one of the challenges presently pervading the world at large.
“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe. By fostering collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty.”
He disclosed that Brazilian’s government effort to kick out hunger and poverty resonate with one of his program agenda for his country and intend to use Agriculture to boost the economy and provide food security its citizens.
President Tinubu went further to announce that Nigeria’s endorsement of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty demonstrates the country’s effort in rolling out poverty.
In his words: “Brazil’s accordance of priority to the Fight against Hunger and Poverty aligns with Nigeria’s current economic policies. When I took office in 2023, I unveiled an 8-Point Agenda.
“Priority 3 focused on boosting agriculture to achieve food security, through the development of commodity value chain and the provision of infrastructure support. Priority 6 focuses on education, health and social investment as essential pillars of development.
“Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to address hunger and poverty.
“The endorsement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging international cooperation and resources, to bolster domestic strategies that will deliver inclusive growth and socio-economic development.
“Nigeria’s participation in the Global Alliance resonates strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger.
These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them.” He added
He affirmed that Nigeria endorsement reinforces its role as key player in global effort to promote sustainable development: “By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger.
“While looking forward to the adoption of the Leader’s Declaration, I would like to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to continue to work with G20 member and guest countries, international organisations and the civil society, in the fight against hunger and poverty.” The Nigeria president concluded.
Recall that the Nigerian president is attending the summit for the first time based on the friendship he has with the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had impressed upon Brazil to invite him.
Modi had visited Abuja, Nigeria three days earlier on finalize pending bilateral trade agreement between the two nations.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit presented a golden opportunity for Nigeria to amplify its aspirations for permanent G20 membership. Nigeria’s inclusion would amplify the continent’s representation in global economic discussions and decision-making.
The G20 summit brings together nations that control over 75% of global trade and 60% of the world’s GDP. Nigeria’s engagement with these countries opens doors for bilateral agreements that could drive economic growth, boost infrastructure, and create opportunities for socio-economic reforms.
By Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth
adeoye.o@thesubstancenews.com
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