Olu Samuel, Lokoja

Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has empowered 8000 Kogi youths and women with N100,000 Livelihood Support Grants each for their existing and new businesses.

Ododo flagged off the cash grants to the
beneficiaries on Thursday at Banquet hall, Government Hoise Lokoja.

The 8000 beneficiaries cut across all the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi 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 the his Deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo, said the empowerment was in collaboration with the World Bank under the the Kogi State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (KG-CARES).

He said the livelihood support grants through the state Grant Transfer Delivery platform, was designed to provide cushioning effect for the vulnerable individuals and households.

“This transfer cannot be equated by the amount, but the various value possibilities that it would add to the beneficiaries enabling them meet their basic needs, invest in their education, health and participate more fully in the economic vibrancy of the state.

“I believe the program will have transformative impact in our communities, increased school enrollment, health condition, reduce child labour, empower women small scale business and pressing family needs.

“I urge all the beneficiaries to take full advantages 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 in good use.

“I also appeal to all the stakeholder 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 indigene can live with dignity and hope”, he said.

Earlier in her address, The State Coordinator/CEO Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency (KOSSIPA), Mrs Aishat Omade said her achievement as the coordinator of the empowerment is her ensuring inclusivity of citizens across all the 21 LGA of the state.

Omade stressed that inclusivity remained the engine room of political developments, noting that the Initiative would withdraw the beneficiaries from getting soft loans from LAPO Microfinance bank.

Also speaking, the Head of Delivery Platform State Cash Transfer Unit, Mr. Kehinde Olorunmosunle, said the empowerment program would lay a foundation for a brighter future by giving Kogi youths and women the opportunity to afford knowledge and skills required for more promising future.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mosunmola Ahinde said the empowerment was going to transform her life, as she will be able to provide meals and other basic necessities for herself and her loved ones.

Another beneficiary,
Mr Caleb Ojochegbe, said the cash benefit will boost his petty business and make his business grow.