Toba Owojaiye reporting
Lokoja, Kogi state
In a significant move under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, more than ten thousand vulnerable individuals in Kogi State have received a twenty thousand Naira grant each. The initiative, aimed at uplifting the poorest and most vulnerable in society, was launched by Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, in Lokoja, the state capital.
President Tinubu’s commitment to poverty alleviation was reaffirmed by the one-off cash grant designed to support rural Nigerians, with a focus on women, constituting over seventy percent of beneficiaries across the state. Additionally, fifteen percent of the grants were allocated to Persons With Disabilities and Senior Citizens, emphasizing inclusivity beyond political affiliations.
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, Dr. Edu highlighted the program’s significance as a Kickstarter for improving livelihoods and supporting small-scale trading. However, she cautioned beneficiaries and the public against scammers, emphasizing that the ministry never requires payment for program registration.
Kogi State Governor, Dr Yahaya Bello, praised Dr Betta Edu as a valuable product of President Tinubu and expressed gratitude for the Renewed Hope Programs. Governor Bello announced the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, along with the Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency, aligning the state with federal initiatives.
Beneficiaries, expressing joy and gratitude, described the grants as a lifeline providing not only financial support but also restoring a sense of dignity and optimism. They lauded President Tinubu as a beacon of hope for the impoverished in Kogi State and Nigeria.
The Minister stressed that the Renewed Hope Grant signifies more than a financial boost—it represents a paradigm shift in governance prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable citizens to address Nigeria’s poverty index.
As Nigeria strives to uplift over 50 million people from poverty within 42 months, the Renewed Hope Grants reflect a tangible step towards realizing this ambitious goal. The creation of dedicated state agencies further demonstrates the commitment to effective implementation, ensuring direct benefits reach those in need.
The press release was signed Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister, FMHAPA, and dated 05/12/2023.