The Federal Government says it remains deeply committed to cushioning the effects of its recent policy changes through a series of strategic initiatives.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said this on Tuesday in Umuahia, while sensitising residents for the Federal Government’s intervention programmes.
The minister, represented by Mrs Gloria Abiakam, Head, Federal Information Centre, Abia, told participants that the intervention programmes were designed to ease the impact of recent policy changes.
The minister who pointed that one of those changes was the removal of fuel subsidy, said “your government is not blind to these changes, nor are we indifferent.”
Idris said that some of the interventions included Student Loan Scheme, Consumer Credit Corporation, Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Digital and Creative Enterprise Programme.
Others are Skill-Up Artisans Programme, National Youth Talent Export Programme, Housing Initiatives, Nano-Business Support, Nigerian Youth Academy.
According to him, the interventions also include Micro and Small Business Loans and NDDC Internship Scheme for Niger Delta Youth.
He said that the programmes were 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 programmes are designed with you in mind – they are meant to empower, uplift, and provide relief where it is most needed.”
He explained that the programmes were testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and its determination to provide sustainable solutions.
The State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Regina Iroha, urged residents to take advantage of the opportunities in order to uplift their standard of living.
Iroha, who gave a detailed explanation of the government intervention programmes, regretted that some people were either not aware or were misinformed.
“There’s every need for the citizens to be carried along and it is only possible through this sensitisation effort,” she said.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Mr Jerry Uzosike, lauded the minister for the efforts in informing the people about government’s interventions, especially in the South-East.
He encouraged the participants, who represented different groups, to go and disseminate the information to the people at the grassroots.
In a goodwill message, Eze Godfrey Onwuka, the traditional ruler of Umutowe Autonomous Community, also commended the government for the sensitisation initiative, saying it would help to empower the people.
Onwuka, who decried the apathy toward some of Federal Government’s policies in the South East, advised participants to take the intervention message back to their various communities and groups.
Also, Sarki Yaro Danladi, the Chairman, Northern Traditional Rulers Council for South-South and South-East, lauded the initiative, saying that it would help to bridge the communication gap between the Federal Government and the people.
Danladi, who attended the event alongside some of his cabinet members, promised to take the sensitisation to his people at the grassroots.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by representatives of various organisations including the church, communities, civil society, academia, media, disability community and others.(NAN)
