15,000 beneficiaries in Kebbi State have begun receiving a total disbursement of N3bn in livelihood support grant, with each beneficiary expecting to receive N200,000.
The disbursement ceremony took place in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, where Governor Nasir Idris assured residents of the readiness of his administration to provide necessary support and priority to achieve a high impact of the scheme’s objective.
The governor advised the beneficiaries to invest the money in ventures that would generate income and make them self-reliant and employers of labor. He emphasized the importance of judicious use of the funds and highlighted the independent verification agents from the World Bank and the Ministry of Budget staff to monitor the utilization of the money to prevent diversion.
Governor Idris also warned officials against diverting the funds to purposes other than the original intention, emphasizing that the state government would not condone such actions.
He expressed his commitment to sourcing resources within and outside Nigeria for the benefit of the people of the state, and announced the upcoming launch of the distribution of solar-powered water pumps to farmers by the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
The government has procured 10,000 units of the water pumps at the cost of N700,000 per unit.
Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of Kebbi Cares Steering Committee, highlighted the program’s objective to mitigate the economic and social effects on the people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also expressed his appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for his support to the Kebbi Cares program.
During the disbursement to the first batch of beneficiaries, Governor Nasir Idris personally confirmed the actual amount in the account as the funds were transferred through ATM cards and POS.
Several dignitaries including the Speaker of Kebbi State House of Assembly, Chief Judge of the State, Grand Khadi, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Commissioners, and Special Advisers were present at the ceremony.