Over 4500 Abians who are members of transport Unions in the State will benefit from a one-off nonrepayable grant of 30,000 from the 75 Billion Naira Survival Fund launched by the Federal Government.
The State Focal Person, Mr. Chinenye Nwaogu, disclosed this in a sensitization meeting with the leadership of all the transport unions in Abia State, called in conjunction with the State Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Nwaogu explained that the Federal Government launched the national economic sustainability programme to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which dealt a demaging blow to the global economy, Nigeria inclusive.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for sustaining his social protection and poverty reduction programmes, adding that the Governor of Abia State Okezie Ikpeazu has been in the fore front of the domestication of these pro poor programmes due to his passion to uplift the lives of Abians.
He thanked the Governor for the huge support for the implementation of these programmes and his continued insistent that these programmes comes at no extra cost to the final beneficiaries.
Mr Nwaogu further emphasised that no beneficiary is expected to pay any fees for the programme and reminded the union leaders that as usual his office is working closely with the security agencies to fish out anyone who try to extort money from potential Beneficiaries.
The State Focal Person further stated that the Abia State Social Investment Programme Office has since its creation administered social protection programmes impacting the lives of over a million Abians and that many more programmes are in the offing, urging Abians to continue to pray for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration for its determination to improve the livelihood of Abians.
In his remarks the Commissioner for Transport, Chief Godswill Nwanoruo expressed delight that the government remembered those in the transport sector.
Chief Nwanoruo maintained that transporters were amongst the worst hit by the pandemic due to the extended lock down across the country and expressed the view that these grants will go a long way to enhance the living standard of families of the beneficiaries, especially at this time many families are facing excruciating economic pressure. He further charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grant.
Responding, the leadership of all the transport Unions in the State commended the Federal Government’s 75 Billion Naira Survival Fund describing it as the most impactful and transparently administered programme.
ABIA ONLINE gathered that the highpoint of the meeting which was hosted by the Commissioner for Transport Abia State Chief Godswill Nwanoruo, and had in attendance the leadership of Motor Unions, Tricycle Associations, Motorcycle Riders, was the handing over of the nomination forms to the Chairmen of all the Transport Unions in the State.