Niger state flag-off disbursement of N150,000 to each 283 beneficiaries as livelihood grant
Niger state government has flag-off the disbursement of N150,000 to each 283 beneficiaries for the second phase of Niger state COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) from six local government areas of the state.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state, flag-off the funds disbursement of the Delivery Linked Indicator 1.3 (DLI 1.3) Livelihood Grant at the Government House in Minna.
Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, advised the beneficiaries to use the money wisely to improve their businesses.
“I want to advise you to use the money wisely, for the women, the period of buying gold or wrappers to wear for competition is over and for the men don’t use the money to marry new wife.
“Use the money to expand the current businesses you are doing to come up with good results as you were taught during your two week training to improve your livelihood,” he said.
Earlier, Head of Unit Niger state Cash Transfer Unit, Malam Hussaini Kpange,
explained that NG-CARES was an emergency intervention designed to restore the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
He disclosed that the three components of NG-CARES were result area 1, result area 2 and result area 3 with each sub-components known as Delivery Linked Indicator (DLIs).
Kpange said the livelihood grant sub-component of result area 1, offers soft skills training and one-of grant payment of N150,000 to one productive household member to improve their existing businesses.
Also, Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Focal Person and Special Adviser to the Gov. Umaru Bago on National Social Investment Programme (SIP), urged beneficiaries use the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives and communities.
Alhaji Suleiman Yumu, Commissioner, Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, represented by the Permanent Secretary Hajiya Mairo Mann, advised the beneficiaries to use the fund to improve their lives.
Also Hajiya Hadiza Shiru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, said the 246 beneficiaries were from Agaie, Bida, Kontagora, Suleja and Chanchaga local government areas.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke while appreciating the state the Federal and state governments, Umi Attahiru and Musa Jato, appreciated President Bola Ahmed and Gov. Umaru Bago for their concern for the less privileged and for ensuring sustenance of the programme.
