The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has applauded the Federal Government for its commitment to uplifting the socio-economic status of rural dwellers in the state, as about 3,400 women across the state’s 18 local government areas benefited from a cash grant initiated by the Federal Government.
Speaking during the flag-off of the programme in Benin City, the governor represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, reassured his administration’s resolve to ensure better lives for Edo people.
Obaseki said the programme was in line with his administration’s empowerment agenda in which several sectors of the state’s economy have received considerable government intervention that promotes economic prosperity.
He noted that Edo women are industrious, hardworking and productive and need more interventions to improve their lives and businesses.
“This administration has continued to assist rural women through its various rural interventions from infrastructure, provision of health care services, skills acquisition and women empowerment.
“These activities are geared at reaching and powering our rural women. This is another avenue for our women to receive a boost for what the state is already empowering them to do,” he stated.
The governor further commended President Muhammad Buhari for his commitment to grassroots empowerment through such laudable initiatives.
On her part, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, said the women will get a disbursement of N20, 000 each.
Farouk who was represented by a Director of Humanitarian Affairs in the Ministry, Alhaji Ali Grema, noted that the grant is expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries.
"It is our hope that you make good use of the grant to generally improve your living standard by using the funds as a seed to boost your trade and businesses for greater income and not to see it as your own share of the National cake.
“It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and semi-urban areas of the country.”
Two beneficiaries, Osas Obanor and Osariemen Odiase, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the Federal and Edo State Governments for the grant, noting that it will go a long way in alleviating the plight of the downtrodden in the society.