AKWA IBOM: FG FLAGS OFF GEEP, CCT, CASH GRANT,OTHER PROGRAMMES OF NSIP FOR VULNERABLE CITIZENS

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has flagged off the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT),  engagement of Independent Monitors, National Home-Grown School Feeding Programmes under the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr.Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, mni, NPOM, the Minister said the programmes are designed to give a lifting hand to the poorest and vulnerable citizens in the country . The programmes are being implemented in close partnership with State governments.

The Ministry flagged off GEEP, a soft loan program designed by the President Muhammadu Buhari's administration for vulnerable and low - income Nigerians who are involved in some sort of commercial activities but have never had the opportunity to access loans. The GEEP is made of three products MarketMoni, TraderMoni and FarmersMoni and beneficiaries of the GEEP will start

receiving credit alert from Access Bank.

Under the Grant for Vulnerable Group (GVG) about 3,941 beneficiaries across the  31 Local government Areas of the state will receive N20,000  one off grant each. Also 36 Independent Monitors under Stream 2, will be issued employment letters and special devices to enhance their responsibilities as well as 52 monitors of stream 1 who performed credibly well will be issued with re-engagement letters.

The Ministry also flagged off the digitised conditional cash payment system for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT). The import of the exercise is to  create room for reliable, transparent, accountable and accessible data base for seamless disbursement to beneficiaries of the CCT.

The National Sensitisation exercise for the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) was launched to educate  communities and stakeholders in the proper and more effective implementation of the NHGSFP. About 9.9 Millon children are currently being fed nationwide and the President has approved that the programme be expanded by another 5millon children.

The Minister thanked the state government and stakeholders for supporting the Federal government in the fight against poverty in the country.

The State Governor, His Excellency, Udom Emmanuel was represented by the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare Dr.

 Ini Adiakpan, commended the Federal government for initiating the programmes geared towards  social security of the people of the state. She assured the state government support for the success of the programmes and urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.

Rhoda Ishaku Iliya

Deputy Director Information

27th September, 2022