COVID-19: Makinde inaugurates committee on World Bank palliative grant

As a measure to further cushion the effects of Covid-19 on the people of the State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, inaugurated a ten-man Steering Committee on Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Programme.

CARES, a World Bank intervention programme to all the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is geared towards providing necessary interventions and support that would improve the livelihood of Nigerians.

The inauguration of the ten-man Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo, was held at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan.

While inaugurating the Committee, Governor Makinde said the intention of the project is to cushion the effect occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that it would cater to the poor and vulnerable, guarantee food security, support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, (MSMEs), as well as increase access to health care.

Makinde noted that the World Bank grant is in addition to measures and provisions his administration has provided to cushion the effect of the deadly novel Coronavirus.

He recalled that his government’s plans covered all people in the State including the poor, vulnerable and civil servants, adding that the CARES programme is not for mere money sharing but also to ensure measurable results are achieved.

Poverty to prosperity

In his remark, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Ojo, explained that the project is to the tune of $750million and is expected to cover a period of two years.

Ojo revealed that the programme is in line with the Makinde-led administration’s vision to move the State from poverty to prosperity, explaining that the financial support is for states across the federation to improve livelihoods, guarantee food security and provide grants for poor and vulnerable households, amongst other interventions.

The State Coordinator of the programme, Mrs Kikelomo Adegoke, assured that the State would ensure thorough implementation of the programme in accordance with its objectives.

The members of the committee include Commissioners Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni (Women Affairs and Social Inclusion), Mr Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle (Agriculture), Mr Adebisi Adeniyi (Trade, Investment and Cooperative) and Mr Lateef Oyeleke (Environment and Natural Resources).

Others are, the Executive Assistant to Governor Makinde on Agribusiness, Dr Adebowale Akande; Director General, Oyo State Investment and Promotion Council, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi; Executive Assistant on Intervention Fund, Mrs Aderonke Adebayo, and the Board Chairman, Community and Social Development Agency (CSDP), Mr Ahmed Eesuola.

Emmanuel Ukoh