The Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has launched Rural Women Grant in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
The project which was flagged-off on Thursday at the Western Hall of the House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan will accommodate not fewer than 5,280 rural women across the state to uplift their socio-economic status.
The grant of N20,000 cash each is part of the Federal Government’s National Social Safety Net Project (NASSP).
According to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, the project is in partnership with the World Bank to design and develop a safety net for Nigeria.
Her words, “The Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank designed and developed a safety net for Nigeria under the platform of the National Social Safety Net Project (NASSP).
“The Special Cash Grant for Rural Women programme being flagged off today was introduced in 2020 by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, as part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s social inclusion and poverty reduction agenda, including the realisation of the national aspiration of lifting 100million Nigerians out of poverty in 10years.
“It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural Nigeria. A grant of N20,000 will be disbursed to over 150,000 poor rural women across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The grant is expected to increase access to financial capital required for economic activities.
“A total number of 5,280 beneficiaries are to benefit from the cash grant of N20,000 each to uplift the socio-economic status of the total women in Oyo State.
“It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the opportunity to increase their income, enhance their good security, and contribute towards improving their living standard.
“I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of Your Excellency and other stakeholders, we can lift 100 million out of poverty by 2030 as envisioned by President Muhammadu Buhari,” the Minister stated.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Chief Ilaka commended the federal government for the initiative, adding that the state government on her part would remain committed to creating and improving opportunities for people to live meaningfully and fulfil life.
He advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the current women emancipation initiative both globally and locally and to as well involve in governance, seek political positions and take advantage of different policies of government to transform the society.
“It is germane to mention that our administration will leave no stone unturned in transforming the lives of vulnerable ones, especially women and children. We are equally ready to partner with individuals and groups willing to reposition our socio-economic well being of our citizens particularly the less privileged.
“Once again I applaud and appreciate the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for contributing its quota in making our country a better place for all.”
In her remarks, Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni said “This is the evidence in the extension of the federal government’s kindness to the voiceless women, downtrodden, poorest of the poor, vulnerable group of people, aged people, widows, people living with disabilities and so on who were provided with packaged COVID-19 palliative-materials consisting of food items and other household utilities to cushion the effect of lock-down on the people in the country, Oyo State inclusive”.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of food stuffs including, rice, beans, garri and palm oil to some of the victims of the Shasha fire incidents.
The Minister was accompanied by her counterparts including Sunday Dare (Youths and Sports), Senator Tayo Alasoadura (Minister of State for Niger Delta) and the Director General National Emergency Management Authority, AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed (rtd).
Representing Oyo State included the Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Chief Bisi Ilaka, Oyo State Commissioners Faosat Sanni (Women Affairs and Social Inclusion), Seun Fakorede (Youths and Sports), Chairman Oyo APC, Chief Akin Oke among other dignitaries.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
