The current economic challenges in Nigeria have taken a toll on households, largely due to soaring prices of goods and services alongside the devaluation of the Naira. The National Bureau of Statistics reported a 28.92% increase in the consumer price index (CPI) for December 2023, marking the twentieth consecutive month of rising inflation.
In response to the escalating hardship, Governor Dapo Abiodun addressed the predicament in a press conference, acknowledging the struggles faced by the people of Ogun State. He assured them of the government’s commitment to providing relief and introduced a N5 billion intervention fund to counteract the impact of high inflation and elevated living costs.
The intervention fund aims to distribute five exercise books to all 850,000 students in public primary and secondary schools, grant a one-time N10,000 educational support stipend to 100,000 pupils, and provide a N50,000 education grant to 27,600 indigent tertiary institution students nationwide. Additionally, over 70,000 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, children, and market women, will benefit from insurance health cover. Pregnant women will receive free pre-natal care, an extra N5,000 per birth, and free post-natal care in state hospitals and primary health care centers.
Furthermore, approximately 300,000 households will receive food palliatives, and the State Government will commence monthly payments of N500 million to offset inherited worker deductions. The government has also upheld the N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants for the past eight months.
Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in navigating the nation’s economic landscape, emphasizing that the present economic situation is a temporary phase that will lead to a promising future – echoing the words of Zig Ziglar.
As the state government takes proactive measures to address the prevailing economic challenges, Governor Abiodun reassures the people of Ogun State that their well-being remains a top priority.
