ActionAid Secures £56 million to Address Poverty in Nigeria

ActionAid Nigeria has secured funds to the tune of £56 million to address poverty in Nigeria.

The disclosure was made by new Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria on Monday when he was introduced to the press as the new helmsman of the NGO.

Mamedu stressed that ActionAid  is resolute in its efforts to be the voice of those living in poverty and exclusion.

Mamedu takes over from Ene Obi who just concluded her tenure. It was revealed that no fewer than 120 applicants entered the race for the job of ActionAid Country Director.

The new Country Director said that under his watch, ActionAid will foster national and international partnership to address the root causes of poverty and inequality in the country.

He spoke shortly after his introduction to the media by the Chair of Board of ActionAid, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola in Abuja.

Mamedu who has put in 18 years in ActionAid said he “in the last couple of six, five years, I was opportuned to lead a resource mobilisation innovation directorate expressed as the head of directory and then as the director.  I pioneered the establishment of that directorate and together with the ActionAid team we have been able to raise a total of £56 million.

He added: “So that is the benchmark that we have set and we hope to surpass in doing our final work of eradicating poverty in Nigeria.”

He further pledged to amplifiy the voices of those living in poverty and exclusion, champion their rights, and tirelessly strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said that: “Our world is increasingly interconnected, and so are our challenges and solutions. ActionAid Nigeria will continue to foster national and international partnerships and allegiances to address thenroot cause of poverty and inequality within our nation.

“We will continue to pristine engagement with Federal, State and Local governments, relevant ministries, Department and Agencies who have the responsibility as duty bearers to ensure a just Nigeria.

“I am committed to guiding ActionAid collaboration with the ActionAid Federation and other global allies to address global imbalances that perpetuate poverty, particularly in Global South. Our focus will steadfastly remain on the poor and excluded, especially women, girls, young individuals, children, and persons with disabilities.”

In her introductory speech, Board Chair of ActionAid Nigeria, Ajijola said the new Country Director emerged from the pack of 120 applicants after a rigorous recruitment process.

She said they are confident that he is the right leader to guide organisation forward.

She also added, “this is a moment of transition and continuity, a moment that embodies the resilience and adaptability of ActionAid Nigeria.

“But let me emphasised that Mr Andrew Mamesu is not a new face among us. He has been a cornerstone of our organisation for a remarkable 18 years. His journey through our ranks has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

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