Catholic bishops empower 200 Ekiti households to fight poverty

In a heartwarming display of commitment to the welfare of the less fortunate, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, via its humanitarian arm Caritas Nigeria, has launched a significant initiative to empower 200 households in Ekiti State.

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The purpose of Caritas is to attend to the poor people in the society, irrespective of your gender, your tribe, wherever you have come from, or your religion. So, through them, donors access the society. The bishops established it so that they can attend to the humanitarian services in the society.

This program, aptly named "Building Sustainable Livelihood for Vibrant Community" (B-SLiC), goes beyond mere charity. It focuses on equipping individuals with practical skills in agricultural processing – including rice, fish, and tomato processing – and providing them with essential start-up kits. This approach ensures that beneficiaries can establish sustainable livelihoods, thereby fostering economic independence and dignity.

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The benefits are so much. Number one is to alleviate poverty. With these, people will work to have sustainable livelihoods, and they will employ some people. It is not only the beneficiaries who will benefit from these, but some other people will also benefit. Some farmers will come around to grind or fry their cassava, process rice, etc. So it is a benefit to the communities.

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Felix Ajakaiye, emphasized the core mission of Caritas: to serve the poor and vulnerable, irrespective of their background. This initiative exemplifies that mission, demonstrating how targeted interventions can create a ripple effect, not only improving the lives of the direct beneficiaries but also stimulating local economies and creating employment opportunities within the community.

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this initiative is not just merely about giving tools, it is about restoring dreams, strengthening families and reducing poverty. When one person becomes economically empowered, an entire household is also uplifted.

Rev. Fr. Babangida Aliyu, Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, eloquently stated that the program is about "restoring dreams, strengthening families, and reducing poverty." This perspective highlights the profound impact of empowering individuals. When one person gains economic stability, an entire household is uplifted, contributing to a more stable and prosperous society. The message to the beneficiaries is clear: these tools and training are a beginning, an opportunity to build thriving businesses and lasting success.

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So, when many people gain sustainable means of livelihood, the society itself becomes more stable and more prosperous.