The Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Friday Imaekhai, has challenged the three tiers of government to intensify efforts at tackling the problem of poverty.

  Imaekhai gave the challenge in an interview with newsmen Tuesday, in Ekpoma, Edo State.

The cleric said that the level of poverty which had risen above 75 per cent of the population, was regrettable in a country rich in oil resources.

Imaekhai emphasised that the issue of poverty must be addressed for the average Nigerian to live a decent live.

The cleric noted that much of the vices in the country would have been drastically reduced if the poverty level had dropped significantly.

Imaekhai expressed regret that not much had been achieved with the poverty alleviation schemes by the government.

“Monies are said to be disbursed but to whom? People are suffering and it is really disturbing when we seem to have a government.

“There is a need to proffer an urgent and drastic solution to the issue of poverty in the country. Government should be more responsive to the people whom it claimed to be representing.

“It is imperative for government at all levels to handle this issue with utmost urgency for the betterment of the society,” he stated.  

Imaekhai urged the three tiers of government to seek common good by putting in place people-oriented programmes that would benefit the grassroots.

For such programmes to succeed, he said, there was the need to involve the poor in decision making, particularly on issues of poverty alleviation.