Gov Ododo Presents Cash to Vulnerables, Reaffirms Administration's Commitment to Upholding Citizens' Dignity »

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to safeguarding the dignity and respect of the people of the state.

The governor gave the message during the official commencement of the Livelihood Support Grants via the Cash Transfer Delivery Platform of Kogi CARES Intervention, organised by the Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency (KOSSIPA) at the banquet hall, Government House Lokoja.

Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo emphasized that his government is resolute in tackling the hardships faced by the vulnerable and the most impoverished segments of the society.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more equitable and prosperous Kogi State, as we gather here for the deployment of our livelihood
support grant to 8000 beneficiaries in collaboration with the World Bank, under the kogi CARES project”.

“When we speak of human dignity, we are talking about the right to be treated with
respect, to live a life free from fear and want, and to have the opportunity to reach our full potential. It is the recognition that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the right to a life of meaning and purpose, but this can be
hampered by poverty”.

“This is why today’s support, targeted at the most vulnerable in our society is a
milestone of fulfillment in my administration’s drive towards the dignified life experience for all kogites”.

“Our Government is committed to building a Kogi State where every person, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity and respect. To ensure this, we are actively seeking and implementing ways that we can support the socio-economic inclusion and support of our most vulnerable, especially those in the rural areas, the elderly, women and persons with special abilities”, Ododo said.

He noted that the support grant is designed to provide cushioning effects for vulnerable individuals and households.

“Under this intervention, 8000 indigenes of Kogi State are today receiving this cash
support, upon meeting specific requirements according to the laid down guidelines on identifying the vulnerable among the people of the state drawn from the 21 Local Government areas”.

He called on all stakeholders present, and the general public, to work together
with the present administration to make Kogi, a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive; maintaining that the government is poised to build a future where poverty is a thing of the past and all indigenes can live with dignity and hope.

“I urge all beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, and consider the initiative as a critical step towards enhancing the dignity of their experience of life and that of their loved ones as they put this support to a good use”. He added.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director General of Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency (KOSSIPA), Hajia Aishat Oyisa Omade, disclosed that under the present administration, the state possesses a comprehensive social register of the people, elucidating that through this detailed data, all resources disbursed by the government and donor agencies can be allocated equitably.

She revealed that 8000 beneficiaries from the three senatorial districts of the state will benefit from the Ododo cares initiative by receiving 100,000 naira each. Emphasizing that this financial aid will assist small-scale traders and even the poorest of the poor in the society.

Hajia Aishat reiterated that the beneficiaries come from various political affiliations in the state, maintaining that the focus is on the people rather than the party.

She appealed for prayers and increased support for the governor to continue uplifting the people from poverty.

Similarly, Mr. Moses Kehinde, the head of the state conditional cash transfer, mentioned that the initiative was conceived by the governor to alleviate the suffering of the people, urging the beneficiaries to utilize the stipend prudently.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries by the Governor.