From Olise Nwagbogwu,
Asaba
Federal government has disbursed N20,000 each to 1000 physically challenged persons and vulnerable rural women in Delta State.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hahia Sadiya Umar Farouq, who made the disbursement while flagging off the program in Asaba, the state capital, on Tuesday, told the beneficiaries that the grant is not another avenue of sharing the national cake but a gesture to uplift their socioeconomic lives.
The exercise, she said was targeted at 3,300 rural women, but the income and productive assets of the poor and vulnerable in the State. The Minister who spoke through the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Alli Grema tasked them to make judicious use of the grant to improve on their welfare and well-being, saying “the funds are seed to boost your trade as well as lift you out of poverty”.
The minister said the federal government gave out the grant for those in the rural areas to feel belong in the scheme of things, but advised that the grant should not be seen “as a share of the national cake”.
Delta State Director, National Social Investment Program, Bridget Anyafulu said the program is to increase their income, strengthen their productive activities, enhance their food security and improve on their families wellbeing.
According to her, the ultimate goals are to uplift the social-economic status of rural women, reduce poverty and boost rural economy.
She posited that “the success of the program can go a long way in alleviating the suffering of rural women, facilitate the economic growth and sustainable development of the country.
