The Nigerian Government has flagged off the disbursement of a N20,000 cash grant to 2,700 women in Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq said the women were selected from all the Local Government Areas of the State.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali, the Minister said the grant was expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries.
“It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the grant to generally contribute towards improving their living standard by using the fund as a seed to boost their trade and business for greater income and not to see it as their own share of the so-called National Cake”.
“A cash grant of N20,000.00 will be disbursed to about 125,000 poor women across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Our target in Akwa Ibom State is to disburse the grant to about 2,700 beneficiaries across all Local Government Councils,“ She explained
The Minister further noted that with the complementary effort of the state government, the target beneficiaries will be adequately covered within the next few days.
“I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of His Excellency Chief Udom Emmanuel and other stakeholders present here, we will remain on track to improve the livelihood of the ordinary Nigerians”.
“To the beneficiaries, let me however reiterate that this money belongs to you and you alone. It is meant for you to use in any small business venture you deem fit and that will improve your lives. Please ensure that you use it for this purpose,“ She emphasised.
Representing the Government, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the various National Social Investment Programmes.
“It has gone a long way to cushion the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic,“ she noted
Dr Adiapkan however, solicited for more grants to include more women and also hopes for more intervention programmes.
The State’s Focal Person on Social Investment Programme, Dr Godwin Akpan, described the exercise as timely and germane as it seeks economic empowerment to rural women.
He solicited for the inclusion of the youth and men in subsequent programmes.
A beneficiary Mrs A.P Caroline Usen expressed joy for being selected for the grant, she said she has been hearing of the Government giving grants, but felt it was for a section of the country.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit on the Deputy Governor, Moses Expo commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister for empowering the women of the State to improve their livelihood.
He also solicited more slots for the State in subsequent programmes to be able to touch the lives of more people.
The Deputy Governor further requested the Ministry to come to the aid of the State in times of natural disasters or conflicts.
PIAK
