We are building pathway to better future with intervention programmes – FG
*As stakeholders urge Abians to embrace initiatives
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
The Federal government says it is building a pathway to a better tomorrow for Nigerians through its various intervention programmes which stakeholders in Abia State have appealed to the people to whole-heartedly embrace.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who unveiled the plans, spoke in Umuahia where he had come to spread the gospel of the federal Government intervention programmes evolved to cushion the harsh effects of subsidy removal; with stakeholders urging Abians to participate actively rather than be deceived into believing that the programmes would not work.
The one-day stakeholders’ sensitization event held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Police Officers Mess in Umuahia.
Welcoming participants to the sensitization event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the programme was “a crucial journey to inform and empower our fellow Nigerians about the Federal Government’s intervention programmes designed to ease the impact of recent policy changes, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy.”
The Minister, represented by the Head of Centre, Federal Information Centre, Abia State, Lady Gloria Ify Abiakam, noted that removal of fuel subsidy was necessary but “has undoubtedly brought about challenges that many of us are feeling deeply.”
Idris, however, said that the good news was that the federal government was not blind to these challenges or indifferent.
“The government remains deeply committed to cushioning the effects of these changes through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at addressing various sectors and needs of our people.
“These programmes are vital for fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for every Nigerian,” the Minister said.
“Let me also remind you that we are here to tell you that hope is alive – that amidst the changes, a multitude of opportunities are being created to help cushion the effects of this policy.
“The Federal Government is committed to standing by the people, ensuring that no one is left behind. These intervention programs are designed with you in mind – they are meant to empower, uplift, and provide relief where it is most needed,” he added.
He listed some of the initiatives which equate with lifelines for Nigerians Allow me to introduce to you some of these initiatives, which are not just programs, but lifelines – opportunities for us “to grow, thrive, and secure a brighter future,” to include:
Student Loan Scheme (nelf.gov.ng), Consumer Credit Corporation (credicorp.ng), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative (pci.gov.ng), Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDiCE) Program (boi.ng/idice), Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) (supa.itf.gov.ng) and National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP) (natep.gov.ng).
The rest are Housing Initiatives (fha.gov.ng/ongoing-project) Nano-Business Support (tucnigeria.org.ng), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) (niya.ng) Micro and Small Business Loans (boi.ng/micro-business) and NDDC Internship Scheme for Niger Delta Youth (nyis.nddc.gov.ng).
“These initiatives,” the Minister said, “are not just statistics or policies – they represent real opportunities to change lives. They are a symbol of the government’s dedication to supporting each and every one of you, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open. We are not just addressing the challenges of today; we are building a pathway to a better tomorrow.”
According to him, the programmers would stir inclusive development and provide sustainable solutions that would uplift the standard of living for all Nigerians.
“Let’s take advantage of them, let’s engage with them, and together, we can build a Nigeria where everyone has the chance to succeed,” the Minister appealed to Nigerians.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Jerry Uzosike, commended the federal government for coming out with the interventions, describing them programmes that would change the life of the people.
Hon. Uzosike, a former member of Abia State House of Assembly, expressed optimism that the programmes have the potentials to save those who embrace them from the clutches of hardship and poverty.
In his goodwill message, a foremost traditional ruler in Abia State, His Royal Highness, Eze Goddy Onwuka, noted that Abians have been indifferent to many of federal government programmes and usually turn out to be the worst losers in the end.
Eze Onwuka who is the traditional ruler of Umutowe Autonomous Community in Olokoro clan of Umuahia South local government area, called on the government and the Media to collaborate for effective mobilization of the grassroots to participate in the programmes. He said it was human for the federal government to come up with such programmes at this critical period Nigerians were wallowing in hardship.
On his part, His Royal Highness, Eze Yaro Danladi, the Sarkin Hausawa Abia, urged the masses not to lose this golden opportunity.
A resource person, Mrs Regina Iroha, who is the State Director of Abia State Orientation Agency, explained the programmes in details to the audience, saying that the essence of the gathering was to keep the citizenry well informed of what the federal government was doing to cushion the prevailing hardship.
The event which attracted professionals, students, the business class and civil servants, among others, featured an interactive session.
