The Federal Government has begun the disbursement of N68 million grant to a total of 3,400 women in Edo State as part of its effort to reduce poverty in the country.
Sadiya Farouk, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, who gave each beneficiary N20,000 each, urged them not to see the grant as a national cake but rather as an incentive to boost their trade.
Farouk, who was represented by Alhaji Ali Grema, Director of Humanitarian Affairs, said the grant was introduced last year to assist women in President Muhammadu Buhari’s social inclusion.
According to her, the Federal Government had paid more attention to attending to the poor and vulnerable in the society despite visible revenue challenges, adding that one million households across the nation have benefited from the Social Investment Programme.
The minister said, “The programme was designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and semi-urban areas.
“Our target in Edo is to disburse the grant to 3,400 beneficiaries across the local governments of the state. The grant is expected to increase the income and productive assets of target beneficiaries.”
Betsy Obaseki, the state governor’s wife, represented by the deputy governor’s wife, Mariam Shaibu, applauded the president for his commitment to grassroots development and empowerment through the SIP.
Deborah Onaluwa, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Federal Government for the grant, stating that the grant would be used to boost their business.
