A non- political organization known as Olu Pessu Philanthropic Foundation is mobilising for a world -class democratic dialogue on good governance.
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Warri, Delta State by the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr Olu Pessu said, the foundation which is known to be Olu Pessu Philanthropic has as its prime mission, to raise awareness that can tackle social challenges like poverty and corruption that are wide spread in Nigeria in particular and Africa at large.
According to the convener, the maiden annual conference would bring together political heads, leaders and activists adding that, it would be a regional meeting.
Pessu, political activist from the Awolowo school of thought said that the invited leaders would interface with the young Africans in a constructive forward-looking dialogue to impact positively in democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The communication mogul added that the conference would also deliberate on how to ensure that the government abide by the their democratically agreed promises to eradicate corruption.
Pessu noted that poverty and corruption goes beyond lack of income and productive resources to ensure a sustainable livelihood. According to Pessu who is also a member of the Afenifere group, the manifestations of poverty included: hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and healthcare.
Others were: bad governance, human rights abuses and lack of citizens’ participation in the decision making processes. His words:“Many people are living below the poverty level: struggling to meet their basic needs”.
‘Corruption is a major social problem as many government officials and some individuals engage in corrupt practices that hinder growth and development” ,he added.
Recall that Pessu is a son of a former lower court Judge and an Action Group Activist during the colonial era and second Republic Lawmaker representing Warri South Constituency under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).