A more pragmatic approach to the implementation of policies and programmes has been identified as the best way towards the achievement of the millennium development target of year 2020.

Consequently, the present administration in Nasarawa State has been urged to step up its efforts at the implementation of its well articulated programmes as encapsulated in its 13-point agenda so as to transform the state and address the increasing rate of poverty and hunger among the citizenry.

This was the view of a pressure group, the Concerned Citizens of Nasarawa State (CCONS) in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Abubakar Idris Adamu, and made available to Nigerian Newsday.

The statement entitled “Much ado about poverty and hunger”, expressed commitment by governments and the people in attaining the lofty goals, adding that more Nigerians continue to wallow in poverty and hunger, with most families living below one dollar per day.

The group therefore stressed the need for collaborative efforts by governments and non-governmental agencies and the people towards improving the status quo by adopting a common and collective approach to the development of society and its citizens.

They lamented that poverty has continued to ravage Nigerians and hold them hostage as well as devalues the lives of many and therefore the need for immediate action towards stemming the tide.

While commending the Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma’s administration for steps taken to address the problems of poverty and development since assuming leadership of the state, the CCNS said it should take more urgent and concrete steps that would address the peoples yearnings for industries, firms, institutions, employment creations, poverty eradication programmes, provision of roads, water supply, among others.