Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has empowered 8,000 youths and women with N100,000 Livelihood Support Grants for their existing and new businesses.
Ododo flagged off the cash grants to the beneficiaries on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Government House Lokoja, the state capital.
The beneficiaries cut across all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
According to Ododo, the cash distribution marks a significant milestone in the lives of the women and youths of the state, towards a more equitable and prosperous livelihood.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, said the empowerment was in collaboration with the World Bank under the Kogi State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus.
He said the livelihood support grants through the state Grant Transfer Delivery platform, were designed to provide cushioning effects for the vulnerable individuals and households.
“This transfer cannot be equated by the amount, but by the various value possibilities that it would add to the beneficiaries, enabling them to meet their basic needs, invest in their education, and health and participate more fully in the economic vibrancy of the state.
“I believe the programme will have a transformative impact in our communities, increase school enrolment, health condition, reduce child labour, empower women, small scale business and pressing family needs.
“I urge all the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity and consider it as a critical step towards enhancing the dignity of life and that of their loved ones as they put the support to good use.
“I also appeal to all the stakeholders in the state and the general public to work together with this government to make Kogi a state where everyone has the opportunity to strive as we build a future where poverty is a thing of the past, and all indigenes can live with dignity and hope,” he said.
Earlier in her address, the State Coordinator/CEO, Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency, Mrs Aishat Omade, said her achievement as the coordinator of the empowerment is her ensuring the inclusivity of the citizens across all the 21 LGs of the state.
Also speaking, the Head of Delivery Platform State Cash Transfer Unit, Mr Kehinde Olorunmosunle, said the empowerment programme would lay a foundation for a brighter future by giving Kogi youths and women the opportunity to afford knowledge and skills required for a more promising future.
