By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has flagged off the Federal Government special grant cash transfer project which is targeted at 3,840 vulnerable rural women from 13 Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor who was represented by the Head of Service, Barrister Simon Malgwi, flagged off the special project which was held at the Multi Purpose Hall of the Government house Maiduguri, the state’s capital.
Governor Zulum noted that the project was timely and deserving, as the State has been the worst hit by the insurgency, hence the need for such support and assistance from the Federal Government.
He also explained that each of the beneficiaries are to get a token of N20,000 as support funds.
The Governor, however commended the Humanitarian Ministry for their support and assistance to the state, while thanking President Buhari for his concern and attention given to the people and Government of Borno State.
Speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq said: “The project is aimed at providing support to citizens of our beloved country.”
“I am delighted to have you all converge on this venue for purpose of flagging off the Federal Government’s cash grant for rural women, which is a significant social protection programme of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable groups out of poverty”.
“Since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration in 2015, Government has paid more attention to protecting and promoting the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the country”.
“This informed the decision to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy for enhancing social inclusion and protection of the most vulnerable segments of our society”.
“The NSIP, made up of CCT, N-Power, GEEP, National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, YESSO and CSDP is one the largest social protection programmes in Africa. Since its introduction in 2016, it has impacted positively on the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria”.
“I have personally witnessed the life-changing experiences of people below the poverty line and those that are vulnerable to shocks that have now made a positive turn around after benefiting from the programmes”, Sadiya said.
She further explained that Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank designed and developed a safety net programme for Nigeria under the platform of the National Social Safety Net Project (NASSP).
While the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme commenced in September 2016 with the aim of responding to deficiencies in capacity and lack of investment in human capital of poor and vulnerable households.
According to the Minister, the programme was designed to deliver timely and accessible cash transfers to beneficiary households with the following objectives: improve household consumption, increase in utilization of health and nutrition services, improve school enrolment and attendance,.
Other include Improve environmental sanitation and management, encourage household financial and asset acquisition, engage beneficiaries to attain sustainable livelihood among others.
The Humanitarian Minister, added that the CCT programme provides targeted monthly based cash transfers of N5,000 to poor and vulnerable households, with the sole aim of graduating them out of poverty.
She also noted that due to the peculiarity of security situation in Borno State, the Federal Government Conditional Cash Transfer has been catering for IDP’s in Gonikachallari, Bakasi and NYSC Camps.
“We currently have 12,190 Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHs) that has been enrolled in 13 Local Government Areas”.
“They are Konduga, Rubio, Magumeri, Hawul, Shani, Mafa, MMC, Chibok, Mobbar, Kaga, Jere, Akira-Uba and Dikwa LGA’s and disbursement is set to commence as soon as the security situation improves”.
“I must note at this point, that the social register is being expanded to cater for more poor and vulnerable households in Borno State”. She said.
“
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.