Subsidy removal; Ministry sensitizes Ebonyi citizens on FG’s intervention programmes
By Amarachi Ehia
Federal Ministry of Information and Orientation Wednesday sensitized Ebonyi Citizens on the intervention Programmes of President Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration.
The sensitization program was done at Afikpo, Afikpo local government area of Ebonyi state.
Addressing participants who were mainly women, men and the youth, Mrs. Loretta Bakarey said the event is part of the government’s effort to create awareness about its various intervention programmes and how citizens can access them.
She said, “Our gathering here today is mainly to enlighten the citizens of this country on the programs and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria Renewed Hope Intervention programmes at the States and local government Levels. This strategic sensitization program is going on simultaneously in the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The president’s renewed hope agenda is anchored on a comprehensive 8 points agenda to tackle poverty in Nigeria through sustainable development and improved living standards. The 8 point renewed hope agenda focus areas are food, security, poverty alleviation, economic growth, job creation, access to capital inclusivity, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption.
“There is no gain saying the fact that the removal of fuel subsidy by Mr President upon assumption of office has brought untold hardship on the average Nigeria Citizen. But a critical appraisal of the outcome of this decision shows that at the long run the average Nigerian citizen stands to benefit from this somewhat painful policy as the gains are being redirected to critical areas like healthcare, education, infrastructure and humanitarian efforts to promote effective location and curb wastage.
“The removal of fuel subsidy which sparked initial challenges was cushioned by the government with provisional wage award #35,000 to federal workers and a Cash transfer of #25,000 monthly to 15million of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.
“The Federal government also set in motion the machinery to provide compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and tricycles worth #100 billion naira to ease the transportation fare hike caused by the subsidy removal. The presidential CNG initiative is a component of the palliative intervention of Mr President directed at providing succour to the masses occasioned by the transitive hardships of fuel subsidy removal policy of the Federal government. A tripartite committee is already working out the consequential adjustment on the new National minimum wage of N70, 000.00,which would hit the accounts of the Nigerian workers.
“On ensuring food security, a major point in it’s eight – point agenda, the Federal Government has rolled out immediate intervention programmes such as the disbursement of fertilizer and grains and farming inputs to Nigerians farmers.The Ministry of Agriculture and rural development and the Ministry of water resources are in partnership to ensure adequate irrigation of farm lands during the dry season facilitating all year round food production and reducing dependence on rain-fed farming.
“The youths are not left out as the president created the Nigeria Youth Academy (NIYA) to give millions of youths across the country between the ages of 18-35 from all regions with knowledge, skills and mentorship to unlock their potential to become future leaders. A platform that promises both funding and technical knowhow.
“The Federal government has empowered the Bank of Industry to promote investment in technology and creative ecosystems in the country, as part of the government effort to create more sustainable jobs across all productive sectors of the economy.
Investment in digital and creative enterprises (IDICE) is set up to build capacity and unskilled Nigerian youth from ages between 15-35 in technology and creativity to increase their employability, foster innovation and support the emergence of more entrepreneurs”.
She however appealed to Nigerians to be committed and supportive to the Federal government as it would be beneficial to all.
Some of the participants narrated their ordeals in accessing the intervention programmes.
