The Government of Ekiti State, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji, has initiated the payment of N5,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 economically vulnerable residents in the state.
Beneficiaries were selected from the 18,000 indigent members of the state captured in the Social Register, a collaboration with the Federal Government. The selection process was transparent and devoid of political, religious, or ethnic biases. The Social Register compilation spans all 16 Local Government Areas and 22 Local Council Development Areas, with periodic reviews to include more indigent members.
The palliative scheme, which was initiated in response to the Federal Government’s removal of subsidy on petroleum products and increased increased prices of food and commodities, has already started and will last for five months.
Cheque distribution to beneficiaries was launched on Tuesday at the Governor’s office, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji represented by Commissioner Niyi Adebayo.
The state government has also implemented additional ongoing palliative programs, such as distributing food items, providing free transport for civil/public servants and students, adjusting salaries, clearing leave bonus arrears, and establishing a food bank for elders.
The initiative is a key component of palliative efforts by the state government to alleviate the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal on vulnerable residents and the less privileged in the state.
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