December 24, (THEWILL) – Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, says the Federal Government, in partnership with the Cross River State Government, will launch grants for the poor and vulnerable people on Christmas Day.
The Minister made this known on the sideline of this year’s annual Utomo Obong festival.
According to her, “President Tinubu has directed that smiles be put on the faces of the poor and vulnerable in the grassroots this Christmas season.
“We’ve put together names of vulnerable groups in Cross River and we’re beginning with those in the Southern Senatorial District. The flag-off will be at Millennium Park on Christmas Day.
“These funds that will be put in their pockets will help them to start micro-businesses that can go a long way in sustaining their family and pull them out of poverty.
“President Bola Tinubu has a full package for Cross River State and other States in the country, which will be unveiled throughout next year,” the Minister said.
She reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s determination to stamp out poverty in the country and usher in a refreshing dawn for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Edu disclosed that her Ministry has a checklist of would-be beneficiaries of the scheme as a lot had reached out through the traditional rulers, to all the communities, the wards, the villages, and people to select those who met the criteria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Edu, whose statement was made available by Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR), her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, also described the Utomo Obong festival as a classy celebration of the rich Efik cultural heritage.
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THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
