By Gbenga Abegunrin, Reporter, Ibadan

Stakeholders in the country's private sector have been called upon to join forces with state and federal governments in efforts to reduce poverty among the citizens.

Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Layiwola Olakojo, made the call while speaking at the unveiling of Fidelity Bank's "Save and Fly Promo" in Ibadan.

Olakojo noted that the oganised private sector had an important role to play in the fight against poverty, saying government should not be left alone with the task.

The SSG noted that it was high time operators in the private sector in the, especially banks, started to see themselves as major stakeholders in the poverty alleviation drive.

''Let me reiterate the call on the operators of the private sector of our economy to see themselves as partners in progress with government in our collective efforts at improving the lot of our people.

"It is a well known fact that governments the world over, no matter how benevolent, cannot meet all the needs of their people due largely to the limits imposed by available resources," Olakojo said.

He commended Fidelity bank for its initiatives in the banking industry and its "desire to partner with governments at different levels with a view to plowing back part of your profits to the economy."

He said, "Today's programme which is the unveiling of the official commencement of your special savings promotion known as 'save and fly promo' in the South West area of the country, comprising of the bank's operations in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara states, will, no doubt, serve as an impetus and instrument which would further motivate the general public to appreciate the importance of patronising banks, especially among the low income earners.''