The Government of Gombe State in North- East Nigeria says it is optimistic that the State will record an increase in its Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) by N100 million.
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, made the announcement in the State capital, Gombe, at the flag-off of the Cash Grant for Vulnerable Groups and on-boarding of Independent Monitors Stream 2.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mannasah Jatau, the Governor praised the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq for extending the Social Investment Programmes to what he described as an ‘over populated’ Gombe state, adding that it will improve the economy of the state.
“All these are ventures which will improve the living standard of the poor and vulnerable. Indeed, the economic activities of the state stand to benefit One Hundred Million Naira which automatically is an increase of Gross Domestic Product of the state. This is no small intervention.
“You will all agree that this intervention is a lift for us in the journey that we have decided to undertake. Basically, this administration is determined to go beyond ordinary economic growth and ensure economic development. This is manifested in the development and launch of the 10-year development plan 2021-2030”.
Earlier, the Minister had explained, while launching the digitised payment for Conditional Cash Transfer, Cash Grant for Vulnerable Groups and on-boarding of Independent Monitors, that President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration had inherited a national poverty incidence level averaging 70%.
“It is our belief that the cash grant will increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries, especially now that economic challenges at global and local levels affect the socio-economic situation of our people. It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the grant to improve productive activities that would generate more income and improve their living standard.
“The three-in-one activity here in Gombe, including the flag-off of the Digitized Cash Transfer Payment System for the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme will create room for reliable, transparent and accessible database for seamless disbursement to beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer while the main role of the Independent Monitors is to ensure that the Primary Objectives of the NSIPs are achieved.”
Umar Farouq later presented engagement letters and devices to Independent Monitors as well as cash grants to vulnerable beneficiaries.
A total number of 3,541 beneficiaries from 11 local government councils in Gombe state will receive a one-off Cash Grant of N20,000.
Hauwa Abu
