On January 29, 2025, AfriWomen’s CEO, Chief Mrs. Adebukola Oso, appeared on the 10 a.m. show National Discourse on Prince FM, hosted by Olawale Ogunbusola. The discussion centered on poverty in Nigeria, its various forms, and the collective responsibility needed to combat it.
Mrs. Oso highlighted that poverty is not a one-dimensional issue. She categorized it into generational and situational poverty, two major types affecting Nigerians differently. Generational poverty, she explained, occurs when families remain trapped in poverty for multiple generations due to systemic barriers such as lack of education, poor access to healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. This cycle, she noted, is difficult to break without targeted interventions that prioritize skills, technical development, financial literacy, and access to capital.
On the other hand, situational poverty arises from unforeseen circumstances such as job loss, economic downturns, natural disasters, or health crises. Many Nigerians fall into this category, particularly in the aftermath of inflation, currency devaluation, and high unemployment rates. Mrs. Oso pointed out that government policies must address both types of poverty, not just through temporary relief programs but by fostering sustainable development and financial inclusion.
She emphasized that while the government plays a crucial role, it cannot tackle poverty alone. In her words, “The government sets the policies, but the real impact happens at the grassroots level. NGOs, private sector players, and individuals all have a duty to contribute.” She reiterated that organizations like AfriWomen step in to fill gaps by providing empowerment programs, vocational training, and mentorship, particularly for women and youth.
However, Mrs. Oso did not shy away from addressing a pressing issue within the nonprofit sector: the bastardization of NGOs. She noted that many organizations exist solely to chase funding rather than make a real impact. “Some individuals set up NGOs just to secure grants and be seen as philanthropists, but they are not accountable or dedicated to solving real problems,” she remarked. This trend, she argued, has led to skepticism about the role of NGOs and has made it harder for genuine organizations to gain the public’s and stakeholders’ trust.
In proposing solutions, she called for transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector. She advocated for proper regulations to ensure that only credible organizations receive funding and are held responsible for delivering measurable outcomes. She also encouraged individuals who have the means to support initiatives that genuinely uplift marginalized communities, emphasizing that poverty alleviation should be a collective responsibility, not just a government affair.
Mrs. Oso closed the discussion by urging Nigerians to move beyond dependence on government programs and embrace community-driven development. She reaffirmed AfriWomen’s commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and sustainable poverty alleviation, ensuring that women and youth have the tools to build financial independence and create lasting change.
Most importantly, she emphasized the need for the government to address critical issues such as corruption, diversion of funds, and mismanagement, which have hindered the effectiveness of social programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT). She stressed that poor targeting mechanisms and weak implementation frameworks contribute to inefficiencies, leading to hyperinflation and reducing the impact of such initiatives.
She further highlighted the importance of accurate data collection to ensure that government interventions reach those who genuinely need support. Additionally, she called for economic diversification, urging the government to move away from an overreliance on oil and invest in sectors like agriculture and technology.
Security concerns were also raised, as issues such as the Boko Haram insurgency and widespread kidnappings continue to threaten rural communities and agricultural productivity. Addressing these challenges, she noted, is crucial to fostering economic stability and sustainable development.
Her appearance on National Discourse reinforced the urgent need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackling poverty that brings together government efforts, NGO interventions, and individual contributions to build a more equitable Nigeria.