The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu has promised to launch a grant targeted at poor and vulnerable groups in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
She gave the hint while speaking at a twin ceremony to mark the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu the Fifth’s 15th anniversary of his coronation and annual homage of Efik people in Calabar , the Cross River State capital.
Edu, who was excited to be in the midst of family and friends, described the annual homage to the king or ‘Utomo Obong’ in the Efik language as a classic celebration of the rich Efik heritage.
The Minister also congratulated the Obong of Calabar on the 15th anniversary of his coronation as the treaty king and grand patriarch of the Efik kingdom .
“I am happy to be here in Calabar to attend the Utomo Obong for 2023. Our king, the Obong of Calabar, is an ‘A-Class’ king; he is father to all his subjects and brings together all his people, the different clans, and indeed every well-wisher, who wishes Cross River State well and who wishes his kingdom well too.
“We ae here to share culture. We are here to share a good time and we are here to share ‘Renewed Hope’ for the people of Cross River State and the kingdom of Calabar. So from the Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, me Betta Edu and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Property Alleviation, we wish the Obong of Calabar more success, long life, and a peaceful reign as we all collaborate to pursue peace and development of Cross River State and Nigeria”, she said.
Better Living Conditions
Speaking further on the ministry’s programme, the minister said that President Tinubu was determined to stamp out poverty in Nigeria and give the core poor including vulnerable groups a better living condition.
She disclosed that the Ministry in partnership with the Cross River State Government would flag off the distribution of grants to the poor and vulnerable groups on Monday, December 25th as part of President Tinubu’s way to commemorate Christmas with the people.
“President Tinubu has directed that smiles be put on the faces of the poor and vulnerable in grassroots communities this Christmas season. So, we have put together names of vulnerable groups in Cross River and we are beginning with those in the southern senatorial district. The flag-off will be at Millennium Park on Christmas Day.
“The funds that would be put in their pockets will help them start up micro-businesses that could go a long way in sustaining their family and pull them out of poverty. President Bola Tinubu has a full package for Cross River State and other states in the country, which will be unveiled throughout next year.”
The Minister reiterated that the disbursement would rely on the checklist of would-be beneficiaries already compiled by her ministry in collaboration with traditional rulers, ward and other community leaders.
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