SULTAN OF SOKOTO SEEKS SUPPORT FOR THE POOR
By Desmond Mgboh,Dutse

The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohaamadu Said Ababakar 111 has challenged all those in leadership to take steps to fight the spate of poverty in the land , drawing attention to the increase in cases of maternal morbidity, poor assess to education by women and the rising cost of food stuff, which has raised the issue of hunger as the most serious threat to social security.

The royal father, who spoke at the weekend, in Dutse, during the launch of the Talakawa Summit, convened by the Jigawa State Government, implored the nationÕs leaders to note the increasing challenges poised by these new dimensions of poverty, while urging them to redouble their fight against cases of extreme poverty in all its ramifications.

According to the Sultan, it is important for the whole world to stand up in support of the millennium declaration to fight poverty as it affects the people, while calling for support for the Jigawa State Government in its efforts to advance and transform the conditions of Talakawas (Poor) in the society.
He said poverty is local, national and international in nature and pleaded with the international community to play more active roles in support of the efforts of the local, state, and federal government.

In helping the national achieve the MDG goals by the year 2015. He added that Nigeria Õs achievement of the MDG would be a major breakthrough not just for Africa , but for the international community.
In his remarks, the Jigawa State Governor explained that the philosophy behind the summit has been thoroughly debated adding that his administration is determined to change the condition of the less privileged members of the society. Governor Lamido also held that the summit is designed to bring all the stakeholders together, including the poor and provide a platform to know their needs and problems.
He added that, "we are here to listen to the testimonies of their agonies and pains . We have been claiming that we have a feeling for the poor. But our declaration has not gone beyond political statements".

He, however, noted that, "We are not saying we would solve all their problems instantly, but information gathered here would be translated into policies by the government".