The N5 billion Ogun State Intervention Palliative, aimed at mitigating the impact of the current economic challenges in Nigeria, is directly benefiting the residents of the Gateway State, according to Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Information.
Akinmade made this statement on Monday while appearing on OGTV’s Current Affairs Program, The RoundTable.
He explained that the government’s targeted interventions are designed to address the prevailing economic difficulties by implementing a series of phased initiatives to alleviate the burdens faced by the people.
Governor Abiodun recently announced the allocation of N5 billion intervention funds to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living and inflation in the state.
This grant is intended to be distributed as palliatives to offset the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies.
During a press conference in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun acknowledged the hardships caused by the fuel subsidy removal, rising food prices, shortages, and the depreciation of the Naira.
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He expressed a commitment to implementing proactive measures to mitigate these challenges and ensure the welfare and well-being of the state’s residents during this difficult period.
Akinmade highlighted some of the initiatives already underway, including the introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus initiative to address transportation challenges.
These buses operate on strategic routes in the state, where passengers pay a token fee for transportation.
Additionally, the ongoing Educash program aims to provide a one-off N10,000 education support grant to 100,000 pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools.
Akinmade emphasized the transparency of the process, which has garnered appreciation from beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the government plans to disburse N50,000 grants to 50,000 students of Ogun State origin in tertiary institutions nationwide.
Health insurance coverage is also being extended to over 70,000 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women, and other members of the informal sector.
Under the Ibidero Scheme, pregnant women will receive free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth, and free post-natal care at state hospitals and primary health care centers.
The government is also providing food palliatives, including rice and other items, to approximately 300,000 households across the state.
Additionally, efforts are underway to offset backlog deductions, with a commitment of N500 million monthly payments towards outstanding deductions.
Akinmade concluded by noting the government’s continuous payment of N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants in the state over the past eight months.
