National Social Investment Programme: Minister tasks traders in Kogi State

The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Nigeria,  Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called on market men and women to leverage on the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) initiated by the Federal Government to win the war against acute poverty, especially at a time when the country is striving to recover from the economic difficulties occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister made the call in Abuja when the leadership of Market Men and Women Welfare Association of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, conferred on her the Amazon Role Model and Exemplary Leadership Award.

Aliyu, noted that the TradersMoni, Grant for Rural Women Empowerment and other Social Investment Programmes of the Federal Government are strategies for enhancing social inclusion and a demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to bring succour and hope to the poorest of the poor and vulnerable households.

She, used the occasion to applaud the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, for her zeal and determination towards the realisation of the National Social Investment Programme.

“The NSIP is a bold statement that the government is reiterating the readiness to do all that is necessary to join the comity of nations to fight the global economic downturn and to put in place the needed shocks to withstand any future eventualities. The development thrust being to fuel economic recovery from the bottom up,“ Aliyu affirmed.

While commenting on the award, the minister thanked the leadership for the honour, noting that the group has contributed immensely to the formation of every government in Kogi State.

“I will also appreciate your giant strides in the development of Kogi sSate. You contribute immensely to the formation of every government, making the women group very proud. The unity in the market men and women can never be overemphasized.  

“No matter the differences, you disagree to agree and that is worthy of emulation by the other groups and God willing, that is what we will inculcate across the State. Again, you have been able to demonstrate that when women unite, great things happen”.  

Earlier in her remarks, the President of Market Men and Women Welfare Association of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, Hajia Momo Gimba, who described the minister as a role model, also revealed that the award was in recognition of her tremendous roles in uplifting the poor.

“We thank you so much and today we all gathered here with all the market men and women in Kogi state, across the 21 Local Government Areas to appreciate your kindness,”  Hajia Gimba added.