Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, has given N100,000 in livelihood support grants to 8,000 women and youths to help them launch new and existing enterprises.

On Thursday, in the state capital of Lokoja’s Banquet Hall of Government House, Ododo officially handed out the cash grants to the recipients.

The beneficiaries span the state’s twenty-one Local Government Areas.

Ododo claims that the cash distribution is a critical turning point towards a more equal and successful livelihood for the state’s women and youth.

The empowerment initiative was carried out in partnership with the World Bank as part of the Kogi State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, according to the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo.

According to him, the livelihood assistance grants made available via the state Grant Transfer Delivery platform were intended to act as a buffer for households and individuals that are particularly vulnerable.

The value that these transfers would bring to the recipients—allowing them to take care of their basic necessities, make investments in their health and education, and take a more active role in the state’s economy—make them worth more than their actual quantity.

“I think the program will have a revolutionary effect on our communities, improving health, reducing child labour, empowering women, small businesses, and meeting urgent family needs.

“As they make excellent use of the help, I implore all the recipients to seize the chance and view it as a vital step in improving their own and their loved ones’ quality of life.

He stated, “I also call on all the state’s stakeholders and the general public to collaborate with this administration to transform Kogi into a state where everyone has the chance to succeed as we create a future where poverty is eradicated and all indigenous people can live with dignity and hope.”

Mrs. Aishat Omade, the State Coordinator/CEO of the Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency, had earlier in her speech stated that one of her accomplishments as the coordinator of the empowerment is making sure that all 21 LGs in the state are inclusive of all citizens.

Speaking as well, Mr. Kehinde Olorunmosunle, Head of Delivery Platform State Cash Transfer Unit, stated that the empowerment initiative will create a foundation for a better future by providing Kogi women and adolescents with the means to acquire the information and skills necessary for a more hopeful future.