THE ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the contributions of Aisha Buhari Foundation in the alleviation of rural poverty in Nigeria. Population explosion was identified as one of the problems confronting poverty alleviation efforts in Nigeria. It goes without saying that uncontrolled population growth magnifies the problem of poverty and naturally, renders insignificant, poverty alleviation efforts. To check this menace, Nigerians, especially the rural folk should be enlightened on the imperative of birth control. The assistance of Aisha Buhari Foundation, other non-governmental organizations, institutions and government at all levels is needed in this regard. The rural folk need to be told that inasmuch as children are gifts from God, giving birth to as many children as God is willing to give one would merely compound the problem of poverty. Affordable family planning facilities should be provided for Nigerians especially the rural folk. Only when this is done can we hope to control the country’s population which according to the UNDP, is projected to grow to 230 million, that is double that present figure by 20152 (a mere 15 years away). Education is a very useful weapon against poverty. Ironically, poverty is a major weapon against education. In other words, poverty limits the ability of individuals to acquire education. Due to escalating costs of education in the face of dwindling income, many children are withdrawn from school by their parents to indulge in street hawking and unskilled labour. This tendency no doubt helps to compound the problem of poverty. Poverty alleviation efforts in Nigeria will receive a boost if educational opportunities are expanded to benefit as many people as possible.