As part of measures to cushion the effects of coronavirus lockdown in the State, the government of the State of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has embarked on giving out palliatives to the people of the State, most especially, the vulnerable ones.
It would be recalled that some states have obtained a financial assistance from the World Bank to support the implementation of Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO). The support operation was designed in close partnership between the FGN and 20 States in Nigeria, however, only the following 8 states were eligible for participating in the first phase: Bauchi, Cross River, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Osun, and Oyo.
It was gathered that the program has been on since last year and a lot of people most especially the aged and people living with disabilities have benefited greatly from the program, though, it was through direct cash to the individuals who have been captured in the scheme.
As part of his campaign promises to the good people of Osun, Mr Oyetola have been prioritising his citizen’s welfare.
However, for the purpose of transparency and accountability, the State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has mandated that debit cards be produced and issued to the beneficiaries, instead of giving them cash, an initiative that is first of its kind in Nigeria.
Mrs Funmilayo Oladosu, head of unit, public workfare and special grant transfer, explained rationale behind the distribution of the debit cards to the beneficiaries which is to guide against frauds and misappropriation. She stressed further, this ATM card will be used by beneficiaries to withdraw their money either through ATM machine or POS. Their money will be paid directly to the beneficiary’s account and they can access the money anywhere even outside the State.
While addressing journalists during the distribution of the debit cards to the beneficiaries today in Ile-Ife, Osun Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Hon. Yemi Lawal said the program has been so smooth and those concerned are very happy with the way the exercise is been anchored.
“To a large extent, the process has been transparent because each beneficiary’s name has been inscribed on their cards, linked to their accounts and their money will be paid directly into their accounts.
“The program is in two categories, which are, special grant transfer and public workfare. Special grant transfer is designed for the aged and people living with disabilities which captured 15,287 beneficiaries and 10,618 for public workfare. This program cut across all the thirty local government and area office.”
“For the special grant tranfer, beneficiaries are taking N20,000 each while those in public workfare cadre gets N7,500 each and is going to be a continuous exercise.
In her remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Susaina Abejide applauded both the federal and state governments for remembering them most especially in this trying time that we are faced with this pandemic, Covid-19.
“I pray, may God continue to be with them. Also, my special prayer goes to our Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, he will not fail as she’s taking care of us, God will not leave him and his household”
