FG empowers 3000 vulnerable persons with N60m in Gombe
No fewer than 3000 vulnerable persons on Tuesday benefited from Federal Government cash grant under its National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) in Gombe.
The 3000 comprised of 2100 women and 900 youths who received N20,000 to boost their endeavours.
Speaking during the occasion, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Sadiya Farouq said this was the current administration’s desire to rid the populace of poverty.
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According to her, the cash grant was expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries, especially now that economic challenges at global and local levels affect the socio-economic situation of our people.
Farouq said, “We have converged here today to witness the consolidation of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) designed by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Buhari to specially and effectively give a lifting hand to some of our poorest and vulnerable citizens in our country, Being implemented in close partnerships with the State Government, this effort is a clear demonstration of our collective commitment to address poverty which today is the core developmental challenge confronting us as a people.
“Let me add here that our target in Gombe State is to disburse the grant to …. beneficiaries across the 11 Local Government Areas. In line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s social inclusion, 70% of the total number of beneficiaries is for women while the remaining 30% is for the youths. In addition, about 15% of the total number of beneficiaries is specifically allocated to the segment of the population with special needs, including Persons with Disability (PWDs) and senior citizens in the State. It is on this note that we encourage the Gombe State Government to emulate this gesture and extend similar interventions to promote social inclusion in its policies, programmes and projects.”
Farouq urged the beneficiaries to ensure that Government’s effort becomes productive, adding that the money would uplift their living standard.
“It is our believe that the cash grant we came to disburse today is expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries, especially now that economic challenges at global and local levels affect the socio-economic situation of our people. It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the grant to improve productive activities that would generate more income and improve their living standard,” Farouq added.
On his part, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by his Deputy Manassah Jatau lauded the Federal Government’s intervention in the state.
He lauded the Minister’s interest in the state, enumerating her ministry’s programmes geared towards improving living standards of the poor.
“Pardon me for stating that based on the number of times you have visited Gombe and the love you have shown to the state, I am tempted to add Gombe to your names.
“Your intervention to assist 2,100 women and 900 youths by providing N20,000 each. Trained monitors to ensure the success of the programme,” the governor added.
