Popular Nigerian entertainers, Timi Dakolo, Nikki Laoye, Marvelous Odiefe, and Iyanya teamed up with other well meaning individuals in a campaign aimed at mapping out a sustainable future for children scattered in different parts of the world.
Corroborating Timi Dakolo, award winning soul cum gospel act, Nikki Laoye who did a great rendition of Nigeria’s National anthem at the event said it is high time we pay needed attention to the plight of children across the world. “Ever since I was a child, I like to help people grow because I can’t bear to see people feel hurt or cry. This is what we intend to push to the larger society for people to understand we need to be our brother’s keeper at all times.”
Speaking further Nikki said, “we need to change our orientation about how we look at issues relating to children across the world. Looking at the menace caused in the North East by the insurgents, it hurts to see that children with a brighter future are now used to perpetrate such evil acts. We have to do something to put a stop to these happenings”.
Also, Edwin Ikhuoria from ONE campaign said “This summit could be a game changer, but unless governments do more to provide vital funding for essential services the global goals about to be agreed by the UN will only amount to a gesture. Commitments on international tax cooperation, development assistance and targeted spending toward those living in poverty are hanging in the balance at this week’s summit. We’re here to tell leaders that the time for empty promises is over.”
In more than 70 cities around the world, including Lagos, tens-of-thousands of campaigners backed by leaders such as Desmond Tutu are taking to the streets to call for governments to fairly fund essential services, honour their aid commitments and crack down on tax dodging. The demonstrations, part of the Action 2015 movement is calling on heads of state and finance ministers to make a plan to tackle systemic inequalities, fund the next 15 years of Sustainable Development and long-term action on climate change.
Africa today struggles with high levels of poverty and inequality especially the rural population, with women and girls of living far below the $1.25 and $2 poverty lines. Focusing on increased investment for Africa and domestic resource mobilization are prerequisites for a social compact that will provide essential basic services and boost inclusive & sustainable growth for the continent.
