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Imo State’s Poverty Situation and the PAB Intervention

In 2018, Imo State ranked 22nd out of Nigeria’s 36 states, with 19.3% of Imo citizens living on less than $2.15 a day

In 2018, Imo State ranked 22nd out of Nigeria’s 36 states, with 19.3% of Imo citizens living on less than $2.15 a day. Unfortunately, this statistic has grown over the years, according to the World Bank’s international poverty data. Recognizing this urgent situation, the current Imo State administration, led by Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, has taken decisive steps to address it.

One of these steps includes the appointment of a Special Adviser on Imo State Poverty Alleviation – Barr. Favour Ifeanyi, with a focused mission to assist hundreds of thousands of Imo citizens who survive on less than $1.95 daily.

Our approach involves various empowerment programs targeting youths, women, and vulnerable groups, with a primary focus on providing support for basic needs and fostering value re-orientation and integration into the state’s economy.

Our Vision: Our vision is to elevate today's Imo vulnerable citizens to become owners who will produce goods and services and contribute to Imo IGR.

Our Mission: To implement initiatives, projects and programmes that inspire and empower vulnerable youths, men and women through social support and capacity building to start, operate, grow, sustain productive micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that will alleviate poverty, and lead to inclusive economic wellbeing of Imo State.

Mandate: Poverty Alleviation Bureau is empowered to achieve that vision through its mandate of:

1. Providing basic necessities e.g. food and shelter
2. Providing various skills & training
3. Investing in human capital
4. Monitoring effective implementation of initiatives, projects and programmes across Federal and State institutions.

Strategy: Poverty Alleviation Bureau is implementing His Excellency Governor Uzodimma’s Strategic Roadmap in order to:

1. Elevate the vulnerable citizens from receiving palliatives to Business Owners who will produce goods and services.
2. Facilitate and support today’s Imo Vulnerable Citizens to become tomorrow’s contributor to Imo IGR.
3. Investing in human capital
4. Mostly self-funding through our Social Partners and donors to compliment Government interventions.

Goals: A set of seven time-bound goals and targets have been currently outlined. These will be revised based on availability of new funding and partnerships.

1. Safety net for at least 200 thousand under privileged families
2. Skill acquisition opportunities for 20 thousand vulnerable youths
3. Access to healthcare for 100 thousand poor citizens
4. Small scale business setups (e.g. farming) for 10 thousand individuals
5. Facilitate access to Micro business fund for 25 thousand poor families
6. Educational Support of 100 thousand underprivileged children with writing materials
7. Enabling environment and implement initiatives for poverty reduction

Key Initiatives Since 2022 The Imo State government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has been fully committed to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment initiatives since 2022. These efforts are backed by a clear vision of improving the livelihood of citizens through targeted skill acquisition, financial support, and providing avenues for economic opportunities.

1. Youth Empowerment Programs:

   Imo State has placed a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for the youth, especially by equipping them with in-demand digital skills. Through various initiatives, the state is building a tech-savvy workforce that is not only self-sufficient but also attractive to investors and industry leaders. These programs aim to enable young people to become entrepreneurs, contribute to the state’s economy, and help meet the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria's tech industry. A flagship program of this youth-focused strategy is the SkillUp Imo Project, which is already making a significant impact. The initiative seeks to position Imo State as a tech hub in Nigeria by equipping young people with essential digital skills. Since its inception, over 15,000 youths have been trained in various tech-related fields, with a long-term goal of training 300,000 by 2026. Through programs like these, the state is not only empowering individuals but also transforming its economic landscape by nurturing future tech leaders and entrepreneurs.

2. Women’s Empowerment Initiatives:

   The empowerment of women has also been a priority under the current administration. On September 20, 2023, Imo State’s First Lady, Chioma Uzodimma, launched a significant women’s empowerment initiative aimed at uplifting 1,575 women across various sectors. This initiative focused on providing support for small-scale businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and other income-generating ventures. The women beneficiaries received assistance to boost their Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural cooperatives. Rural farmers and petty traders were also given cash grants of ₦50,000 each to strengthen their businesses and improve their financial stability. This initiative directly contributes to the economic independence and resilience of women in the state.

3. Imo Industrial Policy and SMEs Boost:

   In 2022, Governor Uzodimma introduced a comprehensive industrial policy in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to promote SMEs. This policy is part of a broader strategy to industrialize the state, focusing on key sectors such as agro-industry, digital economy, and renewable energy. The policy aims to create job opportunities for youths and drive economic growth by supporting the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises. By fostering a conducive environment for businesses, Imo State is enabling its citizens to become active contributors to its economy.

4. Economic Growth Focus Areas:

   The focus on sectors such as agro-industry, digital economy, and renewable energy under Governor Uzodimma's industrial policy aligns with the state's vision of becoming an industrialized, self-sustaining economy. By investing in these key areas, the administration is opening doors for more employment opportunities and ensuring that youths have a broad range of options to secure their livelihoods.

5. Appointment of Empowerment Adviser:

   Facilitate access to Micro business fund for 25 thousand poor families
6. Educational Support of 100 thousand underprivileged children with writing materials
7. Enabling environment and implement initiatives for poverty reduction

Conclusion The heart of the present Imo State government beats for the people, and this is reflected through its efforts to improve the well-being of Imolites, especially the vulnerable, youth, and women. Imo State’s future is bright, not because of lofty promises, but because of the collective resolve to ensure that no one is left behind. Together, hand in hand with the government, every Imolite has the chance to rise above their circumstances and build a better tomorrow for themselves and for the generations to come. Want to contact us? We will be happy to help. Contact us here.