• Lagos commissioner, lawmaker, others call for synergy among stakeholders
By Lukman Olabiyi
At the heart of Lagos, an urgent call for synergy among stakeholders to tackle poverty echoed through the hall of a commemorative event marking the 13th anniversary of the Pacesetter Mentorship Goal Initiative (PMGI), held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, and Ajani Owolabi, member State House of Assembly representing Mainland Constituency 1, emphasised the collective effort needed to address this pressing issue.
Stakeholders agreed that poverty eradication cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the government: “A collaborative approach involving various stakeholders is crucial for meaningful progress.”
Owolabi, who chairs the assembly’s Committee on Tertiary Institutions, urged Nigerians to support the country by performing their civic duties and aiding government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria. He appealed to non-governmental organisations, corporate entities and affluent individuals to follow “PMGI’s example in caring for the needy, it is a vital social responsibility.”
Ogunlende said: “PMGI’s initiatives are in alignment with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus agenda, which focuses on poverty alleviation.” He conveyed the governor’s appreciation for PMGI and encouraged the organisation to continue its support for the government’s poverty reduction strategies.
Elder Monsuru Lawal, founder, PMGI, said: “The mission is to provide necessary support to the less privileged, enabling them to engage in economic activities and become self-reliant.” He emphasised the importance of humane service delivery for societal progress and development, viewing service to humanity as service to oneself:
“The society will be significantly improved if every wealthy and influential person committed to helping the less fortunate. Government’s various interventions will soon yield positive outcomes.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu for their economic hardship alleviation programmes and called for increased government support for PMGI to amplify their impact on the larger society.
Fagboyinbo Moses Iyanu, acting Secretary General of PMGI’s Lagos State Chapter, appealed to members and stakeholders to support PMGI’s mission, especially during these challenging economic times: “The anniversary celebration is not only a time to express gratitude for the organisation’s achievements, but also to showcase Nigeria’s rich arts and cultural heritage.
“PMGI is planning another charity programme in October, underscoring the group’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian and charitable endeavors. The coming event aims to further PMGI’s mission and continue providing vital support to those in need, reinforcing the call for collective effort in the fight against poverty in Lagos and beyond.”