… As Ministry Organises Training for NSIP Independent Monitors
Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, has applauded the ongoing collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State Governments to reduce the rate of poverty in the country, saying the partnership is yielding the expected positive results.
The Commissioner stated this on Thursday during a one-day training and onboarding of Independent Monitors for the Integrated National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), held at Ostra Hall and Hotels, Ikeja and organised by the State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
She added that the State Government partnered with the Federal government under five different poverty alleviation programmes, initiated by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, with the intention of alleviating the standard of living of the vulnerable members of society.
Arobieke disclosed that the National Social Investment Programme was created in 2016 to tackle hunger and poverty across the country, with programmes like N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) as well as other sub-programmes under the initiative.
She acknowledged the continued dedication and support of the present administration for the various Federal government empowerment initiatives in order to tackle hunger and poverty in the State, reiterating that Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu is committed to alleviating poverty among residents in Lagos.
The Commissioner assured Lagosians that the State Government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment will continue to reach out and partner with organisations, whose programmes and initiatives will be beneficial to the residents of Lagos State, adding that plans are being finalised to replicate the various empowerment initiatives in Lagos State.
While noting that the cash transfer part of the programme has proven to be very effective with a very positive impact on the lives of the vulnerable households in the State, she commended the Federal government for the gesture, saying that the token means a whole lot to the beneficiaries, with many other residents looking forward to it.
Speaking earlier, the representative of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Jumai Abdu-Ali, urged the trainees to shun any act contrary to the expectations of the government, warning that anyone caught on the wrong side of the law would be made to face necessary disciplinary actions, including prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
She explained that the programme, which is aimed at reaching out to the vulnerable, the less privileged and the unemployed, is part of the determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to put in place a platform for accountability and transparency.
In his remark, the Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Waheed Ishola, said that the Agency had been in partnership with the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment since the commencement of Npower programme and have been working with the State Government to ensure the success of the programme.
The programme, he said, will further deepen accountability and acceptance of other similar programmes being carried out by the Ministry and the Federal Governments, pointing out that the participants, having been selected randomly through the various Local Government Areas, gives credence to the programme.
He admonished the participants who are Independent Monitors to take the responsibility serious by acting as the eyes and ears of government wherever they find themselves in respect of the programme.
