Two thousand rural women in Abia State have been presented with the Federal Government’s cash grant of 20,000 naira aimed at empowering women.
Speaking while flagging off the cash grant on behalf of the Federal Government at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, Governor Okezie lkpeazu commended President Muhammad Buhari for fulfilling his pledge of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty through these innovative initiatives.
Dr lkpeazu, who was represented by his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, noted that the state government has prioritized and mainstreamed social inclusion and poverty initiatives to improve the welfare of the people.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to judiciously invest the money in petty businesses as a way of improving their livelihood and growing the rural economy, while assuring of continued partnership with the federal government.
In her speech, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the Federal Government has continued to impact on the lives of the poor and vulnerable through the cash disbursements.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alikali, reminded the beneficiaries that the grant is solely for them to embark on businesses that will benefit and improve their lives, while commending the State Focal Persons and all interest groups for their efforts in ensuring the success of the program.