… As Delta Govt. Set to construct N5.1bn Int’l Conference Centre in Asaba***
The Federal Government says it has resumed payment of over N9.24 billion to 76,107 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme across the six local government areas in Kebbi State.
The National Coordinator of the programme, Hajiya Halima Shehu, announced this during a courtesy visit to Gov. Atiku Bagudu in Birnin Kebbi.
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She apologised for the delay in the payment which started in September to October 2019, saying it was due to circumstances beyond her control.
“As at now, payment to CCT beneficiaries is ongoing in the state.
A total number of 76,107 beneficiaries across six local government areas of Bagudu, Danko, Wasagu, Dandi, Jega, and Shanga, will be receiving the payment.
“The beneficiaries will be receiving 26 months of payment circles, starting from January to February 2020.
“The payment will be in two batches of those 60,000 beneficiaries for four payment cycles, using the virtual account.
“The second batch has 70,107 beneficiaries for nine payment cycles through the debit cards.
Shehu said that the total amount for the two batches in the state was over N9.24bn.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the World Bank in 2016, designed and developed a safety net programme for Nigeria under the platform of National Social Safety Nets Projects (NASSP).
“One of the components of NASSP is the national conditional cash transfer office responsible for implementing the household uplifting- conditional cash transfer to the poor and the vulnerable households across the country,” she said.
Shehu thanked the governor for giving her audience and the opportunity to update him on the resumption of payment and the successful implementation of the programme in the state.
“In spite of these, I still wish to request more support in terms of logistics and operating cost to sustain the day to day running of the offices at the Area Council levels,” Shehu said.
Responding, Gov. Bagudu, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Samaila Yombe-Dabai, thanked the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, headed by Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, for actualising the programme in the state.
“I assure you that the state government will do all it takes to support the success of the programme in the state.
“We are looking forward to getting more local governments to be involved in the cash transfer programme,” Bagudu said.
The newsmen report that the CCT programme is aimed at improving household consumption, increasing utilisation of health and nutrition services, and improving school enrollment and attendance.
It is also aimed at improving environmental sanitation and management, asset and financial acquisition and beneficiaries’ engagement in sustainable livelihood.
In another development, Delta Government has approved the sum of N5.1 billion for the construction of an International Conference Centre in Asaba.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday in Asaba.
He said that the construction of the International Conference Centre had become necessary as the state capital was developing into a megacity.
According to Aniagwu, the state government intends to complete the project within 12 months and has also approved 35 per cent mobilisation fees to the contractor to ensure prompt delivery of the project.
“Although we have an event centre, it does not serve the purpose of an international conference centre where different break-out rooms and committee meetings are usually held, hence the need to have something of a world-class standard just like the one in Abuja,” he said.
The commissioner said the government had also approved the construction of a cottage hospital at Ovwor-Olomu at N423 million.
He said the council also approved several road projects which include the construction of 2.49km internal roads in Kokori and 2km Eku internal roads in the Ethiope East Local Government Area.
” 0thers are 1.17km Obi Palace Road Ubulu-Uno, Aniocha South; 2km Anioge Street Idumesah, Ika North East and that of 1.8km internal roads in Burutu and 1.2km rigid pavement of Dr Mike Loyibo Street in Tuomo, Bomadi Local Government Area.
“Also, Ellu internal roads in Isoko North; 1.2km internal road, Iwezue Lane Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika South; 5.2km Emede Internal Road, Isoko South; 3.9km Utagba-Uno-Ndemili road in Ndokwa West, 4.7km Phase two Obiaruku-Umuebu road in Ukwuani LGA.
“And the 6.6km Flood control measures along Madonna College Road and 3.6km road,” Aniagwu said.
He said that the council approved work on the mini sports arena in Koko, Warri North, and the sum of N543 million as compensation for verified property owners at the defunct Abraka market in Asaba.
The commissioner said that due to the rising cost of materials, 10 projects were brought to the council for review.
On the issue of IPOB’s plans to enforce sit-at-home in Asaba and environs, Aniagwu said that security agencies were on top of the matter and urged the people to go about their lawful duties without fear of intimidation.
“Let me assure you that security agencies have been put on red alert to ensure that our people go about their business legally and lawfully.
“Nobody is happy about what is happening in the South-East because it is affecting the economy of the South East.
” So, we are appealing to those asking people to stay at home to look for other means of agitating for the release of their leader Nnamdi Kanu.,”, he said.
