Gov Abiodun announces N5b intervention fund to tackle economic hardship

By James Ogunnaike

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday announced interventions of about N5 billion across all sectors of the State economy as part of measures to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship being faced by people.

The governor, while announcing the interventions at a press briefing held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Center, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said his administration is taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact ofrising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira as well as inflation on the people of the State.

Abiodun said the State government will provide a one-time N10,000 education support grant for at least 100,000 pupils in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

He added that all 27,600 indigent students of the State in tertiary institutions nationwide will be given an education grant of N50,000 each, while all 850,000 students in public primary and secondary schools in the State will be provided a minimum of five exercise books.

In the health sector, Governor Abiodun said the state “will be providing insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries to include pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women and other members of the informal sector”.

More specifically, for pregnant women, under our Ibidero Scheme, we would be providing free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in our State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers across the State”.

He added that food palliatives; which include rice and other food items will be provided for about 300,000 households across the State.

He said government will commence offsetting the backlog of inherited deductions of all civil servants in the State.

He said, “To this end, we are immediately committing N500m monthly payment towards outstanding deductions. It is noteworthy that we have continued to pay N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants for the last 8 months.

While commending therefore the perseverance, patience, and understanding of all the people of the State, Governor Abiodun assured that the present economic situation is just a transient phase that will soon pass.

“Whatever we experience now are just necessary sacrifices that we have to make towards ensuring a greater tomorrow”.

“In a special way, we extend our appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his continuous efforts in navigating the complexities of our nation’s economic landscape. His dedication to steering the ship through turbulent times has not gone unnoticed”.

“Even the IMF and World Bank have commended these initiatives.It is this sincerity of purpose that is the main ingredient of the continued success of the “Renewed Hope” Agenda”.

“The federal government is not only steadfast in its commitment towards creating a brighter future for all citizens, but is also trying hard to foster a society where prosperity and well-being of the entire citizens prevail. As a State, we identify with this beacon of “Renewed Hope” in these challenging times”.

“Together, we shall overcome the adversities and build a stronger, more resilient nation”.

On security, he said, “Our primary responsibility as a government is to provide security of lives and properties to all residents in the State. I have met with the law enforcement agencies in our State and let me be clear, I will not allow anyone to test our will”.

“Anyone who wants to test our will will do so at their own peril. While the road ahead may be challenging, your patience, understanding, and cooperation are crucial as we navigate these challenging times together”.

“Together, we will work towards building a society that leaves no one behind which is also the essence of the successful implementation of our “Building our Future Together” Agenda & the “Renewed Hope”

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