Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi state, made a significant declaration on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, by introducing the inception of a department solely dedicated to addressing humanitarian concerns and diminishing poverty within the region. In Lokoja, a statement was released by Bello’s Media Aide, Onogwu Muhammed, announcing the commencement of the Federal Government’s Grant for Vulnerable initiative. This event took place at the Government House under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
More so, the Social Investment Programme by the Federal Government received high praise from the governor. The creation of the new ministry, as he clarified, aligns harmoniously with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s all-encompassing vision known as the Renewed Hope Agenda. The primary objective of this agenda is to elevate the lives of 50 million Nigerians every year, combating poverty effectively. The establishment of this ministry dedicated to humanitarian efforts has been made possible due to the comprehensive legal structure and legislative power that the governor’s administration has successfully implemented.
The grant will make a significant impact to achieve the govt’s aim.
Furthermore, the focal point of the Grant for Vulnerable Groups centres around supporting individuals from the most financially underprivileged segments of society, ensuring they receive a cash amount of N20,000, he explained. The administration firmly holds the conviction that the grant will make a significant impact towards achieving the government’s objective of elevating millions of Nigerians from the grasp of poverty. In order to tackle and eradicate poverty in Kogi, the state government has implemented several measures over time.
These initiatives encompass offering complimentary education for both primary and secondary schools, distributing food palliatives on a quarterly basis, and providing a cost-free healthcare system specifically designed for pregnant women and children. Moreover, the government has taken on the task of paying for the examination expenses of pupils attending public schools. This includes the allocation of substantial funds, such as the disbursed amount of ₦497 million, which was provided in October to cover the WAEC fees for the year 2024.
Usman Ododo will consolidate these accomplishments.
Bello’s administration’s initiative, which is aimed at eliminating children being out of school, has proven to be highly effective, resulting in significant outcomes. Bello conveyed his assurance that the elected Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, will consolidate these accomplishments and enhance connections with both the national and regional governments for the holistic prosperity of the citizens. In the celebration, Dr. Betta Edu, Minister in charge of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, expressed her admiration for the recipients.
Also, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation admired the unyielding backing that the women of Kogi State have shown towards the APC-led government on both the national and regional scales. Edu highlighted the Federal Government’s extensive efforts in combating poverty, enhancing food security, and fostering human capital development through a vast array of social programmes, surpassing the scope of just the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, which amounted to over 20 initiatives in total.
Governor Yahaya Bello and FG were applauded for this initiative.
During the introduction phase in Kogi, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation disclosed that the programme had directly impacted the lives of 3,000 individuals across the Nigerian State. Asiwaju Idris Asiru, the State Commissioner overseeing Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, expressed admiration for this effort by the Federal Government of Nigeria. He also praised Governor Yahaya Bello for introducing a multitude of measures aimed at tackling poverty, socio-economic disparities, and fortifying security within the state.
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