The Federal Government on Tuesday said it embarked on sensitisation of Abia residents and Nigerians to inform and empower them about the Federal Government’s intervention programmes designed to ease the impact of recent policy changes, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Speaking on the occasion held in Umuahia, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said. “We came together with a shared purpose—to uplift and empower each and every one of us and to extend a hand of support in this period of transition”.
Mohammed Idris, who was represented by the Head of Centre, Federal Information and Culture, FIC Abia State, Lady Gloria Ify Abiakam, said, “We embarked on a crucial journey to inform and empower our fellow Nigerians about the Federal Government’s intervention programs designed to ease the impact of recent policy changes, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy, while necessary, has undoubtedly brought about challenges that many of us are feeling deeply, but the federal government is not blind to these challenges, nor are we indifferent. The government remains deeply committed to cushioning the effects of these changes through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at addressing various sectors and the needs of our people. These programmes are vital for fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for every Nigerian.”
The Minister urged Abians to keep hope alive, pointing out 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, and they are meant to empower, uplift, and provide relief where it is most needed.”.
He highlighted some of the initiatives, which he said are “not just programmes, but lifelines—opportunities for us to grow, thrive, and secure a brighter future,” and they include the Student Loan Scheme, the Consumer Credit Corporation, the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, the Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDiCE) Programme, the Skill-Up Artists Programme (SUPA), and the National.
Others, he said, include the Nano-Business Support, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), the Micro and Small Business Loans, and the NDDC Internship Scheme for Niger Delta Youth.
“These initiatives are not just statistics or policies; they represent real opportunities to change lives. They are a symbol of the government’s dedication to supporting each and every one of you, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open. We are not just addressing the challenges of today; we are building a pathway to a better tomorrow”, adding that “these programmers are a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and its determination to provide sustainable solutions that will uplift the standard of living for all Nigerians,” the Minister said.
Accordingly, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Jerry Uzosike, urged Abians in particular and the south east as a whole to sit up through mass sensitisation, as the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Regina Iroha, explained the opportunities available for Abians to benefit and called on the people to avail themselves with such opportunities.”
Others, including Eze Goddy Onwuka, the Towe 1 of Umutowe in Olokoro of Umuahia South LGA, Sarki Hausawa in Abia, and Alh. Yaro Danladi, described the federal government interventions as good opportunities given to Nigerians and called on Abians to participate, and urged all to go back and pass the information to our people so that we will benefit, as well as urged the state government to intervene and expressed their happiness over the sensitisation.
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