ActionAid Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation that works to eradicate poverty and injustice, has secured funds to the tune of £56 million to address poverty in Nigeria.
The disclosure was made by the new Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mr Andrew Mamedu, on Monday when he was introduced to the press as the new helmsman of the NGO.
Mamedu, who has been with ActionAid Nigeria for 18 years, takes over from Ms Ene Obi who just concluded her tenure.
He emerged from a pool of 120 applicants after a rigorous recruitment process. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to lead the organisation forward.
Mamedu stressed that ActionAid Nigeria is resolute in its efforts to be the voice of those living in poverty and exclusion.
He said that under his watch, ActionAid Nigeria will foster national and international partnerships 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 Nigeria, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, in Abuja.
Mamedu said he pioneered the establishment of a resource mobilisation innovation directorate and together with the ActionAid team, they have been able to raise a total of £56 million.
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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 amplify 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 the root cause of poverty and inequality within our nation.
“We will continue to prioritise engagement with Federal, State and Local governments, relevant ministries, Departments 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 they are confident that Mamedu is the right leader to guide the 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 emphasise that Mr Andrew Mamedu 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.”
ActionAid Nigeria is part of ActionAid International, a global movement of people working together to further human rights and defeat poverty for all. ActionAid Nigeria works in 26 states across Nigeria with over 25 partners.
