Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on Thursday flagged off the disbursement of N8 billion cash grants to 8,000 vulnerable persons selected from the 21 local government council areas of the state.
The flag off which is the official commencement of the Livelihood Support Grants via the Cash Transfer Delivery Platform of Kogi CARES Intervention, organised by the Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency (KOSSIPA) was held at the banquet hall, Government House Lokoja.
Speaking at the event, Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and respect of the people of the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Ododo emphasized that his government was resolute in tackling the hardships faced by the vulnerable and the most impoverished segments of the society.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more equitable and prosperous Kogi State, as we gather here for the deployment of our livelihood support grant to 8, 000 beneficiaries in collaboration with the World Bank, under the kogi CARES project.
“When we speak of human dignity, we are talking about the right to be treated with respect, to live a life free from fear and want, and to have the opportunity to reach our full potential.
“It is the recognition that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the right to a life of meaning and purpose, but this can be hampered by poverty.
“This is why today’s support, targeted at the most vulnerable in our society is a milestone of fulfillment in my administration’s drive towards the dignified life experience for all kogites.
“Our government is committed to building a Kogi State where every person, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity and respect.
“To ensure this, we are actively seeking and implementing ways that we can support the socio-economic inclusion and support of our most vulnerable, especially those in the rural areas, the elderly, women and persons with special abilities,” Ododo said.
He explained that the cash support grant is designed to provide cushioning effects for vulnerable individuals and households.
“Under this intervention, 8, 000 indigenes of Kogi State are today receiving this cash support, upon meeting specific requirements according to the laid down guidelines on identifying the vulnerable among the people of the state drawn from the 21 Local Government areas,” he said.
The governor called on all stakeholders and the general public, to work together with his administration to make Kogi, a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
He maintained that the government is poised to build a future where poverty will become a thing of the past and all indigenes can live with dignity and hope.
“I urge all beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, and consider the initiative as a critical step towards enhancing the dignity of their experience of life and that of their loved ones as they put this support to a good use,” he added.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director General of Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency (KOSSIPA), Hajia Aishat Oyisa Omade, said the state has developed a comprehensive social register to ensure that resources disbursed by the government and donor agencies can be allocated equitably.
She revealed that 8,000 beneficiaries picked from the three senatorial districts of the state will benefit from the Ododo Cares Initiative.
According to her, the beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each.
She expressed confidence that this financial aid will assist small-scale traders and even the poorest of the poor in the society.
Also speaking, Mr. Moses Kehinde, the Head of the state conditional cash transfer, stated that the initiative was conceived by Governor Ododo to alleviate the suffering of the people, urging the beneficiaries to utilize the stipend prudently.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries by the governor.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
