Ogun State – The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, paid a visit to Ogun State to discuss strategies for providing relief to flood victims in the Isheri area of Ifo Local Government. The flood relief efforts also aim to revive local businesses and create job opportunities through the Adire Scheme intervention.
Dr. Edu, who was received by the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, stated that her visit aimed to offer immediate support to flood victims and discuss the implementation of the Social Safety Net programs as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During her visit, Dr. Edu received the updated State’s Social Register, which contributes to the National Social Register for Ogun. This initiative will allow Ogun’s beneficiaries to start receiving Conditional Cash Transfers, similar to beneficiaries in other states.
The Minister’s mission was twofold. She expressed her commitment to addressing the flooding situation in Ogun State, which has affected parts of the state. Relief materials were provided, and the Ministry is working on long-term solutions to help rebuild livelihoods.
Furthermore, the Minister’s visit aimed to ensure the swift implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer program for Ogun State. An inter-ministerial team in Ogun has been working to verify beneficiaries in-person, collaborating with the National team to vet the register, and ensuring that beneficiaries have Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and National Identification Numbers (NINs). This process will enable the timely disbursement of payments to beneficiaries in Ogun State.
Dr. Edu emphasized that the Ministry is actively working on immediate interventions in the state. One of these interventions is the support for market women and men. This initiative is part of a broader effort to lift approximately 50 million people out of poverty within the next 42 months.
Additionally, Ogun State will benefit from the ADIRE scheme, designed to empower women and men in the production of ADIRE, a traditional Nigerian textile, and facilitate access to international markets.
The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) will also play a pivotal role in supporting market traders and farmers in Ogun State. GEEP provides zero-interest rate loans to eligible individuals, and these grants will further support vulnerable groups.
Dr. Edu expressed her gratitude for the warm reception by the Governor and the people of Ogun State, assuring them that the Ministry would diligently execute its initiatives in the state.
The relief efforts in Ogun State will be followed by a visit to areas affected by flooding in Lagos to extend support and relief to those affected.
