As part of efforts to uplift and empower people facing socio-economic challenges, the Oyo State Government has launched a new initiative focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) geared towards empowering four million vulnerable persons in the state.
The program tagged “Oyo State Poverty Alleviation Grants (O’PAG), unveiled today at a well-attended ceremony held at the State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, aims to provide vulnerable persons in the state with the resources necessary to surmount the current economic hardship in the country.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, in her address shortly before symbolic presentation of cheques to 500 first batch of beneficiaries, emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting economic independence among women and other vulnerable persons living in the.
Mrs. Balogun stated that the empowerment program was an extension of the Social Protection and Safety Nets interventions of the Governor Seyi Makinde led government through Cash grants targeted towards the vulnerable populations in the state, particularly those who have indicated their pressing needs through the office of the Honorable Commissioner.
She added that the grants are intended to provide succour by enabling applicants to start micro and nano businesses, meet basic needs and eventually assist them to rise out of the ranks of penury and destitution , especially during times of crisis or personal hardship.
She disclosed further that in the weeks and months ahead, the Government of Governor Seyi Makinde through the platform of the ministry of Women Affairs will be coming up with various programs and interventions involving vocational training and skills acquisition programs to effectively and sustainably empower our women and all other vulnerable demographics in the state.
While also stressing on the need for financial literacy as key to unlocking long-term success, she emphasized the need to ensure that women and other vulnerable demographics have the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions—whether it’s starting a business, investing, or saving for the future.
“Recognising the importance of inclusivity which is part of the core mandates of the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion,the government of Governor Seyi Makinde will through our Ministry continue to ensure that the broad spectrum of the indigent in our society including Women, Women with Multiple Live Births,
Children, the Elderly and People with Disabilities (PWDs) are supported to transit from Poverty to Self Sustenance and then on to Prosperity
“Consequently ,today we will observe that all these different demographics form an integral part of the beneficiaries of today’s Social Safety Net Intervention by the Governor Seyi Makinde led Administration through this Ministry.
“This intervention is targeted specifically towards those who requested for financial assistance from the office of the Commissioner for Women Affairs is in line with the Ministry’s target to lift a minimum of 4 million indigent family units from Poverty to Self Sustenance and Prosperity through various interventions within the timeline of the Governor Seyi Makinde led government in line with the Omituntun 2:0 Agenda of His Excellency
“Financial assistance programs, grants, microloans, and other forms of support transcend beyond providing money—they are about providing the necessary tools, knowledge, and confidence the vulnerable among us, women inclusive, need to break away from cycles of poverty and dependency.
“Premised upon the foregoing, the State Government will not leave any stone unturned to pave pathways and create sustainable access for our citizens to unbundle the financial constraints to the pursuance of their life aspirations.
“The ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion under my watch would continue to maximize the programs, interventions and innovations that speak to social and inclusive development. We are committed to the principle of leaving no one behind.
“When citizens are financially empowered, they can invest in their futures, their families, and their communities. It is not an over statement that when people have access to finance, they are more likely to invest in their children’s education and healthcare, and consequently towards breaking the chains of generational poverty.
“Financial assistance is only one part of the equation, education and mentorship play an equally crucial role. It’s not just about having access to funds but knowing how to manage them effectively.
“Let me reiterate for the upteenth time, financial assistance is not just about providing money. It also reinforces pathways for economic growth, opportunities for leadership, and the freedom to live on your terms. Let us continue to work together and ensure that every citizen of our state, especially the indigent and vulnerable among us have access to the financial resources needed to reach our full potential.” The Commissioner said.
Earlier in their separate remarks, Honorable Sikiru Sanda, Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Mogaji Abass Oloko, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Honorable Comforter Olajide, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry represented by Mr Lateef Ariori, and Mrs. Bisi Saka-Balogun commended the Commissioner for her commitment to the welfare and well-being of women in the state.
They urged beneficiaries of the empowerment grant to make judicious use of the funds purposely for what the funds was meant for and not divert it to other unproductiveso that others in line for the next phase could also benefit.
The vice chairman, National Union of Journalist (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Seye Ojo lamented the level of poverty in Nigeria despite its abundance of human and material resources, lauded governor Seyi Makinde for being a friend of the press for his supports and friendliness with media practitioners in the state, while also commending the commissioner saying the grant would go a long way to provide succour for beneficiaries.
While noting that no singular government could completely solve the challenges facing the people, Ojo however, called on the beneficiaries to endeavour to make use of the funds received for the primary purpose it was intended.
Some of the beneficiaries who started receiving bank credit alert of funds ranging between 50,000 naira and 150,000 naira, in their separate ‘thank you’ messages to Commissioner, lauded the Makinde led government for his inclusive governance built on people-centered policies and programs.
