Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has unveiled a N5 billion intervention fund to address the challenges posed by the rising cost of living and inflation in the state. Speaking at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun outlined a series of targeted initiatives aimed at cushioning the impact of economic challenges on citizens’ welfare and well-being.
Among the measures introduced is the provision of insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women, and other members of the informal sector. Pregnant women will benefit from free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth, and free post-natal care in State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres.
Furthermore, the governor announced plans to provide food palliatives for approximately 300,000 households across the state, consisting of rice and other essential food items. Additionally, educational support initiatives include the distribution of a minimum of five exercise books for all 850,000 students in public primary and secondary schools, as well as one-time education support grants for 100,000 pupils and N50,000 education grants for 27,600 indigent students in tertiary institutions nationwide.
Governor Abiodun emphasized the state government’s commitment to offsetting the backlog of inherited deductions, with an immediate monthly commitment of N500 million towards outstanding deductions. He also highlighted the continuation of N10,000 transport allowance payments to all civil servants for the past eight months.
Expressing gratitude to the citizens for their perseverance, patience, and understanding, Governor Abiodun assured them that the present economic challenges are temporary and that necessary sacrifices are being made towards ensuring a brighter future. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to navigating Nigeria’s economic landscape during turbulent times.
Through these comprehensive interventions, Governor Abiodun’s administration aims to alleviate the immediate hardships faced by the people of Ogun State and foster economic resilience and prosperity in the long term.
