In response to the prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria, the Ogun State Government has unveiled plans to inject N5 billion into various sectors of the state’s economy. During a press conference addressed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, he expressed solidarity with the people of Ogun amidst the existing hardships resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the temporary suffering faced by the citizens but highlighted the necessity of enduring it to achieve a better future. He assured the public of his administration’s awareness and responsiveness to their struggles, emphasizing their commitment to implementing targeted initiatives to alleviate the burdens borne by the populace.
The government’s interventions encompass a wide range of sectors. In the education sector, the state will provide a minimum of five exercise books for all 850,000 students in public primary and secondary schools. Additionally, a one-time N10,000 educational support grant will be disbursed to at least 100,000 pupils in these schools. Furthermore, 27,600 indigent students in tertiary institutions nationwide will receive an education grant of N50,000 each.
In the realm of public health, the state will extend insurance health coverage to over 70,000 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women, and informal sector members. Notably, pregnant women will benefit from free prenatal care, an additional N5,000 per birth, and free postnatal care in state hospitals and primary healthcare centers. The government also plans to distribute food palliatives, such as rice and other essential items, to approximately 300,000 households across the state.
Moreover, the state government has committed to initiating the offset of backlogged deductions, allocating a monthly payment of N500 million towards outstanding deductions. Additionally, civil servants have been receiving N10,000 transport allowances for the past eight months, demonstrating the government’s immediate interventions as a responsible state authority.
These comprehensive measures collectively amount to approximately N5 billion, reflecting the government’s multi-sectoral approach to address the current economic challenges faced by the people of Ogun State.
