The Governor of Kogi State ,Usman Ododo, has equipped 8,000 it’s State youths and women with N100,000 grant enhance their existing and new businesses.
He unveiled the grants initiative to the Allocatees on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Government House Lokoja, the state capital.
The Eligible individuals for the grant ,represents all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Ododo noted that the cash distribution would play a vital role for women and youths in the state, fostering greater equity and prosperity.
The Deputy Governor , Joel Oyibo who stood in for the Governor, revealed that the initiative was in partnership with the World Bank under the Kogi State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (CARES ) initiative
He also said that Financial Assistant Package through the state Grant Transfer Delivery platform, were created to mitigate Economic Hardship for the financially challenged individuals and households.
He explained further that the significance of this transfer lies not in its monetary value, but in its transformative impact on beneficiaries, enhancing their ability to fulfill basic needs, invest in education and healthcare, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
According to the Deputy Governor , “I believe the programme will have a transformative impact in our communities, increase school enrolment, health condition, reduce child labour, empower women, small scale business and pressing family needs”
“I urge all the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity and consider it as a critical step towards enhancing the dignity of life and that of their loved ones as they put the support to good use.he added.
Joel Oyibo appealed to all stakeholders and the public to work cordially with the Government to eradicate Poverty
“I also appeal to all the stakeholders in the state and the general public to work together with this government to make Kogi a state where everyone has the opportunity to strive as we build a future where poverty is a thing of the past, and all indigenes can live with dignity and hope,”
The State Coordinator/CEO, Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency, Mrs Aishat, said the mandatory participation of the residents across all the 21 LGs of the state is a great success for her as the coordinator of this empowerment programme.
The Head of Delivery Platform State Cash Transfer Unit, Mr Kehinde Olorunmosunle explained that the empowerment program will empower Kogi youths and women with the essential skills and knowledge to build a brighter future.
Eniola Jolaoso