Oyo State government has lifted not less than 500 vulnerable with a sum of #50 million through its Social Safety Net Intervention programme tagged, ‘Oyo State Poverty Alleviation Grant (O’PAG).
The initiative, which is line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s agenda to move the state from poverty to prosperity, was put together by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion.
The programme was held at the Presidential Lodge of Government House, Agodi on Thursday.
In her keynote address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, said that the intervention is targeted towards the vulnerable women, women with multiple live births, the elderly and people living with different disabilities.
She said it is an avenue through which Governor Seyi Makinde’s government continues to uplift and support the vulnerable and indigent in the state.
“Todays event is no doubt an extension of the Social Protection and Safety Nets interventions of the Governor Seyi Makinde’s led government through cash grants targeted towards the vulnerable populations in the state particularly those who have indicated their pressing needs through the office of the Honorable Commissioner
“These grants are intended to provide succour by enabling applicants to start micro and nano businesses, meet basic needs and eventually assist them to rise out of the ranks of penury and destitution, especially during times of crisis or personal hardship.
“Recognising the importance of inclusivity which is part of the core mandates of the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion, the government of Governor Seyi Makinde will through our Ministry continue to ensure that the broad spectrum of the indigent in our society including Women, Women with Multiple Live Births,
Children, the Elderly and People with Disabilities (PWDs) are supported to transit from Poverty to Self Sustenance and then on to Prosperity.
“Consequently, today, we will observe that all these different demographics form an integral part of the beneficiaries of today’s Social Safety Net Intervention by the Governor Seyi Makinde led Administration through this Ministry.
“This intervention targeted specifically towards those who requested for financial assistance from the office of the Commissioner for Women Affairs is in line with the Ministry’s target to lift a minimum of 4 million indigent family units from Poverty to Self Sustenance and Prosperity through various interventions within the timeline of the Governor Seyi Makinde led government in line with the Omituntun 2:0 Agenda of His Excellency
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, financial assistance programs, grants, microloans, and other forms of support transcend beyond providing money—they are about providing the necessary tools, knowledge, and confidence the vulnerable among us, women inclusive, need to break away from cycles of poverty and dependency,” the Commissioner said.
Mrs. Balogun assured that the state government will not leave any stone unturned to pave pathways and create sustainable access for its citizens to unbundle the financial constraints to the pursuance of their life aspirations.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion under my watch would continue to maximize the programs, interventions and innovations that speak to social and inclusive development. We are committed to the principle of leaving no one behind.
“When citizens are financially empowered, they can invest in their futures, their families, and their communities. It is not an over statement that when people have access to finance, they are more likely to invest in their children’s education and healthcare, and consequently towards breaking the chains of generational poverty.
“While financial assistance is only one part of the equation, education and mentorship play an equally crucial role. It’s not just about having access to funds but knowing how to manage them effectively.
“Financial literacy is the key that unlocks long-term success. We need to ensure that women and other vulnerable demographics have the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions—whether it’s starting a business, investing, or saving for the future.
“That is why in the weeks and months ahead, the government of Governor Seyi Makinde through the platform of the ministry of Women Affairs will be coming up with various programs and interventions involving vocational training and skills acquisition programs to effectively and sustainably empower our women and all other vulnerable demographics in the state.”
She charged well-meaning individuals and organizations to join hands with government in creating an environment where we can all thrive financially.
“Let us mentor, support, and advocate for one another. Let us challenge the norms that restrict our economic potential and push for policies that promote financial inclusion and equality
“Let me reiterate for the upteenth time, financial assistance is not just about providing money. It also reinforces pathways for economic growth, opportunities for leadership, and the freedom to live on your terms.
“Let us continue to work together and ensure that every citizen of our state, especially the indigent and vulnerable among us have access to the financial resources needed to reach our full potential.”
ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda and member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olufunke Comforter, urged the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.
Hon. Sanda assured that the programme is going to be a continuous exercise for the benefit of the people.
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