The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has begun distribution of Cash Grants to the Vulnerable groups in Anambra State.
The event at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center in Awka, Tuesday, had in attendance, the State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and traditional rulers in attendance.
The Social Investment Programme (NSIP) is a programme of Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari designed to specifically give a lifting hand to many of the poorest and vulnerable citizens in the country.
Its programme was being implemented in close partnerships with State Governments.
The Minister said it was a deliberate National agenda by Buhari of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.
The GVG, according to her, was designed to providing a one-off cash grant of N20,000.00 to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians in rural and peri-urban areas across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Farouq, was represented by Mr Charles Anaelo, who said the target in Anambra State was to disburse the grant to 3,222 beneficiaries across the 21 Local Government Areas in the State.
“It is worthy of note that 70% of these beneficiaries must be women, while the remaining 30% is for vouths.
“Mr. President has further directed that. at least 15% of the total number of beneficiaries must specifically be allocated to citizens with special needs, including Persons With Disability (PWDs) and Senior Citizens in the State.
“In line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to fight poverty from all angles, | wish to inform you that | am here with my team to also flag-off the following programmes:
Roll-Out the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 2.0): Your Excellency, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today we are here to officially Roll-Out the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 2.0) in Anambra State.
“A programme designed by President Muhammadu Buhari administration for vulnerable and low-income Nigerians who are involved in some sort of commercial activity/capacity but have never had the opportunity to access loans.
” It is meant to give priority to the most vulnerable in our society eg widows, youth, disabled and the displaced amongst others. GEEP is captured in three signature schemes namely the TraderMoni loan of N50,000, targeted towards uplifting under-privileged and marginalized youths” among others
For Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, State Focal Persons, Social Investment Programmes, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, FG’s thinking was same with his administration
Norther group frowns over attacks on Christian clergy, churches
WITH aGENCY Report
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), has expressed concern over the incessant attacks and killings of Christian clerics and others in the North.
Ejoga Oyinehi Inalegwu, the NOSCEF Chairman, in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday said communities in Southern Kaduna and Niger State are the most affected, despite the improved surveillance and deterrent measures taken by the security forces to tackle the insecurity.
While expressing shock at the deteriorating situation in the most hit areas, it called on the governments at the federal and states levels to give the security forces the needed support to stand against the insurgency so that no section of the country will be disenfranchised on grounds of insecurity in this year’s elections.
The group urged parents to counsel their wards against making themselves available to be used as Nigerians to disappoint politicians who in their desperate bid to win elections at all costs, are devising politics of exclusion in spite of the pleas of patriotic Nigerians.
“We plead with Nigerians to, with one voice, through the ballot box send the message that we reject those who believe that winning an election is more important than the harmonious existence of the nation,” NOSCEF said.
