Poverty is more than the absence of income. It is the absence of dignity, opportunity, and choice.
On October 17, 2025, the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, convened a thought-provoking colloquium to mark the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The event brought together scholars, technocrats, policymakers, and development practitioners to explore this year’s theme: “Acting Together to End Poverty.”
The conversations were rich, honest, and urgent, tackling poverty not only as an economic issue but as a governance, social, and human rights challenge.
SSDO’s Voice in the Room
Representing the South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), our team shared insights from over a decade of community-driven work aimed at dismantling the structures that keep people especially women and youth trapped in poverty.
We highlighted practical solutions that have transformed lives across Enugu and the South East.
Acting Together, Building Forward
The IDS colloquium reaffirmed a shared commitment among development actors: that poverty eradication is possible when academia, civil society, government, and the private sector work hand in hand.
As one participant noted, “Policies alone cannot end poverty; people can.”
At SSDO, we remain committed to doing our part – empowering communities, amplifying voices, and building systems that enable every person to thrive with dignity.
Together, we can and must act to end poverty.