By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Kebbi State Government has disbursed N6.5 billion to 65,000 beneficiaries under the 'Kaura Cares' Liveli...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Kebbi State Government has disbursed N6.5 billion to 65,000 beneficiaries under the 'Kaura Cares' Livelihood Support Programme.
During the flag-off of the disbursement exercise through Point of Sale (PoS) in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, Governor Nasir Idris emphasized the importance of the livelihood support programme, stating that it holds a special place in his heart as it provides much-needed support to beneficiaries, significantly improving their living conditions.
Governor Idris highlighted that each beneficiary received N100,000, an unprecedented amount in the history of the nation, only surpassed by the Federal Government. He described the scheme as a fulfilment of his campaign promise to the people of Kebbi State, noting that he has quadrupled the number of beneficiaries from the initial figure.
He assured the public that his administration would continue to implement similar programmes, whether under the World Bank, the Federal Government, or the State Government, to benefit thousands of people. "This administration is a government of the people," he reiterated.
The Governor also addressed a particular case he had seen in a video clip of a recipient in dire need of medical care. He directed the Ministry of Health to identify the individual for treatment either in Nigeria or abroad, with the state government covering all expenses.
Governor Idris reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare and prosperity of the people of Kebbi State, stating that the programme has been instrumental in lifting people out of poverty. "My government is determined to fight poverty in all its forms and to provide essential social services to all communities," he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the support funds wisely, both for their immediate needs and as an investment for future generations.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abba Sani-Kalgo, announced that the governor approved the N6.5 billion disbursement to 65,000 beneficiaries across the state. He stated that the 'Kaura Cares' programme continues to meet its objectives of supporting farming communities, increasing yields, and effectively contributing to poverty eradication.
“The livelihood cash grant today fulfills the governor’s promise to provide funds to 15,000 people. In his wisdom, he has quadrupled that number to 65,000 beneficiaries,” Sani-Kalgo said, noting that the beneficiaries were chosen by their respective communities without any interference from the governor or his subordinates.
Additionally, the state Programme Coordinator of NG-Cares, Dr. Rukayya Muhammad-Bawa, described the programme as a beacon of hope designed to uplift the most vulnerable citizens and enhance livelihoods across the state.
"Under Livelihood Intervention 1.1, we have enrolled 1,950 beneficiaries who have received N10,000 monthly for two years. These beneficiaries were selected from the state social register, which includes the elderly, chronically ill, persons with special needs, and the urban poor," she said.
Dr. Muhammad-Bawa also mentioned that Governor Idris recently approved the enrollment of an additional 5,850 beneficiaries, who will also receive N10,000 monthly for one year.
She added that under Direct Livelihood Intervention 1.3, N200 million was disbursed to 1,050 beneficiaries during the first phase of the livelihood grants scheme.
"From inception to date, the state has disbursed over N8.5 billion to more than 85,000 beneficiaries, with amounts ranging from N100,000 to N200,000," she concluded.
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