By Anuoluwapo Fasoyin
The Oyo State Government through Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion has flagged off distribution of cash grants to 4 million vulnerable residents to alleviate them from poverty.
The distribution of the financial aid tagged “Oyo State Poverty Alleviation Grant, OPAG,” was held at the Presidential Lodge, Oyo State Government House, Agodi Ibadan.
In her remark, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Honourable Oluwatoyin Balogun, said 500 beneficiaries which include indigent women with multiple births, elderly and people living with disabilities will benefited from the first phase of the program.
Honourable Balogun revealed that beneficiaries are those who applied for economy financial aids to boost their micro and nano businesses, adding that by 2027, number of beneficiaries would transcend four million.
In their separate goodwill messages, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Oyo State Assembly, Honourable Olufunke Olajide and Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Sikiru Sanda, enjoined beneficiaries to use the grant to boost the economy and reduce unemployment in the state .
Earlier in his welcome address, Director, Community Development of the Ministry, Lateef Ariori, noted that the financial support was a mechanism put in place by present administration towards lifting people out of poverty.
Some of the beneficiaries lauded the initiative, aimed at boosting micro and nano business, reduce unemployment and socio-economic hardship in Oyo State.
