The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has inaugurated a symbolic disbursement of N20, 000 grant to each of the 2,510 beneficiaries from all the Local Government Areas of Abia State.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, the Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq who inaugurated the Cash Grant Programme said a cash grant of N20, 000.00 will be disbursed to the targeted poor women across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Our target in Abia State is to disburse the grant to about 2,510 beneficiaries across all Local Government Councils. The grant is expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries”.
“With the complementary effort of the State Government, the target beneficiaries will all be adequately covered within the next few days. I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of His Excellency, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu and other stakeholders present here, we will remain on track to improving the livelihood of the ordinary Nigerians”. She noted.
She however, admonished the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.
“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.
The State Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu who was represented by the Deputy Governor praised the Federal Government for the initiative.
According to him, the State Government had also improved the welfare of the rural people in the State by prioritised and mainstreamed Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction in its policy trust.
The Governor assured the Federal Government and its agencies that the State government will continue to partner and compliment their efforts in the overall interest of the people of the State.
The State Focal Person on Social Investment Programme, Chinenye Nwaogu, described the grant as a seed fund that can be multiplied if properly invested.
He added that the funds came at the time when the people are faced with a challenging pandemic which has ravaged global economies.
On behalf of the women with disabilities in Abia State, a beneficiary of the grant, Ngozi Nwagu expressed gratitude to the Federal government for including women with disabilities in the cash grant.
She said it is the first time people with disabilities are benefiting from such grants in the State.
Nwagu promised that women with disabilities will use the grant to support their trade which will go a long way to reduce poverty, joblessness and idleness among women with disabilities in the state.
Dominica Nwabufo
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