Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, has flagged- off distribution of cash grants to uplift 4 million indigents and vulnerable citizens from poverty.
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 remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion , Honourable (Mrs) Toyin oyin Balogun, said 500 beneficiaries which included indigent women with multiple births, elderly and people with disabilities 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 transcended to 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 economy, reduce joblessness in Oyo State.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director, community development of the Ministry, Lateef Ariori, noted that the financial support was as a mechanism put in place by present administration towards lifting people out of abject poverty.
Some of the beneficiaries lauded the initiative, aimed to boost micro and nano business, reduce joblessness and socio-economic hardship in Oyo State.