The Oyo State Authorities, on Tuesday, reiterated its dedication to supporting residents to rise above poverty and attain prosperity by catering to their welfare and empowering them to attain self-sufficiency.
The Commissioner for Ladies Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, acknowledged this on the weekend when her ministry commenced the distribution of N20 million livelihood assist grants to victims of market hearth outbreaks.
In accordance with the commissioner, Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration has constantly matched its phrases with motion by prioritising the welfare of residents and supporting them economically via varied initiatives.
Balogun disclosed that beneficiaries of the grants, drawn from Gbaremu, Sango, Oke-Itunu, and Oranyan markets—the place hearth outbreaks had devastated companies—acquired a share of the N20 million grant authorised by the governor.
She added that this was simply the primary part, noting that victims of fireside outbreaks in different markets would additionally profit from the intervention. Past monetary assist, the federal government has organised coaching classes for market girls on hearth prevention and mitigation.
She stated: “Mainly, this occasion is simply one other dimension of the same old manner the Oyo State Authorities exhibits concern for the welfare of the residents of the state.
“You might be all conscious that a few months again, there was a spate of fireside incidents throughout the state. We noticed via our findings that it was not solely the direct victims who had been affected economically; every of the victims had a minimal of 10 to twenty dependents counting on them.
“This tells us that these incidents had far-reaching financial implications. Governor Makinde, being a welfarist chief, determined to assist these victims and restore them to financial viability.
“We wish them to regain self-sufficiency and allow them to deal with others who depend upon them for succour. Because of this, our governor prioritized this intervention, gave expedited approval, and allotted an affordable quantity to assist all of the victims of the hearth outbreaks.
“That is simply the primary part of the intervention. We’re not solely attempting to get them again on their toes but additionally making certain that these incidents are prevented sooner or later. To this finish, we’ve organised coaching classes for girls within the state on the way to mitigate and forestall hearth outbreaks in our markets.
“This authorities is eager on empowering residents to allow them to attain self-sufficiency, and this program exemplifies that. On this first tranche, we’ve disbursed N20 million to the beneficiaries, and it’s going to be an ongoing effort. We’ll be sure that all affected markets and victims are reached.”
Additionally talking, a former Speaker of the Oyo State Home of Meeting, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, described Makinde’s administration as a authorities of the lots.
She stated: “We’re giving these grants to victims of market hearth outbreaks to assist them to make a residing. You possibly can all see that this can be a authorities of the lots. It’s all the time prepared to help our folks.
“We’ve got to offer because of God, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the commissioner for organizing this programme.”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Get together (PDP), Chief Babatunde Tijani, famous that the governor sympathised with the victims and determined to assist them as a result of his administration is pro-people.
Responding on behalf of the market associations, the Iyaloja of Ibadan North Native Authorities Space, Chief (Mrs.) Borode Omotayo Bolaji, counseled the federal government for the well timed intervention.
She stated: “It’s a good thing to me as a result of I used to be not even anticipating as much as that quantity in any respect. Additionally, it was not solely our market that acquired cash; different markets had been additionally given assist. We actually admire what the governor has achieved for the victims.
“The N5 million has already been deposited into the account of the individual representing my market, and it will likely be disbursed any second from now.”
The occasion was attended by market leaders and high authorities functionaries.
