Governor Dapo Abiodun Additionally puts ₦5 Billion Intervention Fund To Tackle Rising Cost of Food, Inflation in Ogun state – Abayomi Odunowo
Recognising the concerns raised by our citizens regarding the increase in food prices and shortages, along with the depreciation of the naira, our administration has planned a series of additional initiatives aimed at further relieving the burden on all our citizens during this trying period. These initiatives will be implemented in phases and will focus on the education sector, health, agriculture, and civil service.
In the education sector, we understand the financial strain that families are facing in providing basic educational materials for their children. As such, we have devised a plan to provide a minimum of five exercise books to all 850,000 students in our public primary and secondary schools. Additionally, a one-time education support grant of ₦10,000 will be given to at least 100,000 pupils in our public primary and secondary schools. We believe that these measures will help alleviate the financial burden on parents and ensure that students have the necessary tools to continue their education.
Furthermore, we are aware of the challenges that indigent students face in accessing quality tertiary education. To address this, we have allocated an education grant of N50,000 each to the 27,600 indigent students in various tertiary institutions nationwide. By providing financial assistance to these students, we aim to ensure that they can focus on their studies without the added stress of financial constraints.
In the health sector, we are committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare. To this end, we will offer insurance health cover to over 70,000 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women, and members of the informal sector. Additionally, under the Ibidero Scheme, pregnant women will receive free prenatal care, an additional ₦5,000 per birth, and free postnatal care in the state hospitals and primary health care centres. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and ensuring that everyone has access to essential healthcare services.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for our citizens. We understand the impact of food shortages and rising prices on families, and therefore, we have planned to provide food palliatives, including rice and other food items, to approximately 300,000 households across the state. By providing these essential food items, we hope to alleviate the burden on families and ensure that they have access to nutritious meals during this challenging period.
In the civil service, we are committed to addressing the financial challenges faced by our dedicated employees. We understand the hardships that accrued deductions can bring, and therefore, we will start clearing the backlog of inherited deductions in the civil service. For this purpose, ₦500 million will be allocated monthly towards outstanding deductions. Additionally, we have been consistently paying a ₦10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants for the past 8 months, and we will continue to do so to ease the financial strain of commuting to work.
our administration is deeply committed to addressing the concerns raised by our citizens regarding the increase in food prices and shortages, along with the depreciation of the naira. We believe that the initiatives outlined above will go a long way in relieving the burden on all our citizens and ensuring that they have access to essential resources during this challenging period. We remain dedicated to delivering meaningful and effective solutions to the challenges facing our people, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards building a better future for all.
In these unprecedented times, it is imperative for the government to take immediate interventions across all sectors of the state economy in order to mitigate the impact of the current economic situation. As the Governor of Ogun State, I am proud to announce that we have allocated approximately ₦5 billion towards these interventions. While we understand that this may require some sacrifices from the people of Ogun State, we are confident that these measures are necessary for a better future.
It is important to understand that the current economic situation is temporary. While it may seem daunting at the moment, we must keep in mind that we have overcome similar challenges in the past. With the proper interventions and the cooperation of the people, we will emerge from this stronger and more resilient than before.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his tireless efforts in navigating the complexities of our nation’s economy. His dedication to steering the ship through difficult times is commendable, and his leadership is truly admirable. Without his guidance and support, it would be much more difficult for us to navigate the challenges that we currently face.
The immediate interventions that we have put in place across all sectors of the state economy are aimed at providing relief to those who have been most affected by the current economic situation. This includes support for small businesses, assistance for individuals who have lost their jobs, and investments in infrastructure and public services. We understand that these measures may require sacrifices from the people of Ogun State, but we believe that they are necessary to ensure a better future for all.
One of the key areas of focus for these interventions is support for small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we recognize the important role that they play in driving growth and creating jobs. Through targeted support and incentives, we aim to provide relief to small businesses that have been impacted by the economic downturn. This includes financial assistance, access to resources, and support for innovation and growth.
In addition to support for small businesses, we are also committed to providing assistance for individuals who have lost their jobs as a result of the economic situation. Unemployment can have a devastating impact on individuals and families, and we are dedicated to helping those who have been affected. This includes providing access to retraining programs, job placement services, and financial assistance to help individuals get back on their feet.
Furthermore, we recognize the importance of investing in infrastructure and public services to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. By investing in projects that improve our roads, bridges, and public transportation, we can not only create jobs in the short term but also lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Additionally, investments in education, healthcare, and other public services are essential for building a strong and resilient economy.
While the sacrifices that we make now may be difficult, we are confident that they are necessary for a better future. By taking immediate interventions across all sectors of the state economy, we can overcome the temporary economic situation and emerge stronger than ever. I urge the people of Ogun State to stand with us as we navigate through these challenges and work towards a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can build a more prosperous and resilient economy for all.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
15th February, 2024.
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