Ikechukwu Iroha.
A research revealed that donor agencies as well as Non Governmental Organizations had implemented a number of social investment programmes in the country but failed to achieve the aim due to non/weak synergy between the Federal Government and States, which resulted to improper targeting of beneficiaries, weak monitoring and evaluation systems.
From the research so far, it could be deduced that the success of any social investment programme depends on how States monitor and work closely with the Federal government. Suffice it to say, Cooperation from States gives life to social investment plans of the Federal Government.
In that regard, Social Investment office was created for effective and transparent payment systems, proper accounting, registration and strong monitoring unit. It has State Focal persons who manage the Social investment offices in their various States. The Focal person serves as a medium of communication between the Federal Government, State and beneficiaries.
Through a well structured social investment plans, an increasing number can take pride in the developmental achievements of the State.
Worthy of note is that, Social investment programmes are designed to assist the poor, improve standard of living as well as engage many persons into various paid jobs.
Through the efforts of the State, Abia State has gone ahead to become a pioneer State for launching of social investment programmes of the Federal Government. It is a strong indication that Dr. Ikpeazu led administration is interested in the welfare of Abians.
Npower is one of the social investment programmes , which is a joint federal government job creation programme supported by the state government.
Over 3200 Abia youths were successfully mobilised into the programme coordinated by the focal person for social investment in the state, Mr Chinenye Nwaogu.
Each of the beneficiaries receive a monthly allowance of 30,000 and they are posted to public primary/ secondary schools, health centres and ADP facilities.
During the period of 2 years they will receive skill training that will set them up for growth and expansion before exiting the programme.
It is on record that Abia State was the first state in the entire SouthEast whose beneficiaries started receiving their allowances since December 2016.
The success of these great feats result from the support of the State Governor and his dear & supportive wife Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu.
To further empower our people, enhance standard of livelihoods and ensure inclusive economic development. Home grown school Feeding Programme, has recruited over 1000 Abia women who are going to be cooking for pupils in our various rural primary schools. When fully commenced, there will be some revolutionary activities in education, Agriculture and healthcare.
Further more, yesterday at a Stakeholders meeting with leaders of Cooperative Societies, Market Women and Youth Associations on Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) the wife of the governor Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu stated that no social investment programme of the Federal Government will elude the good people of Abia State.
GEEP is an investment programme aimed at assisting Small and Medium Enterprises to expand their businesses. The assistance ranges from#10,000 to 100,000 soft loans to Cooperative societies, market women, Artisans and youths in the Country. Already, the State Focal person Mr Chinenye Nwaogu explained that the loan is a test of integrity, which could open up for further loans once beneficiaries pay up.
An administrative charge of 5% and membership of a registered association are what qualify one to become eligible for the facility. This is a loan and not a grant, therefore it’s only for those already in business.
These programmes will turn around fortunes of families in trade, standard of living and general development. In Agriculture, it will change the narrative from Subsistence to commercial farming as funds made available will assist farmers to acquire Fertilizers, improved crop species etc.
Kudos to Dr Ikpeazu for his continuous support
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