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N5bn palliative will be disbursed transparently, says Ogun commissioner
Residents of Ogun State have been promised by Commissioner for Finance Dapo Okubadejo that the N5 billion state government's palliative intervention will be distributed transparently.
At a guest forum hosted by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, on Friday, Okubadejo—who also serves as Governor Dapo Abiodun's chief economic adviser—promised this.
He said, emphasising that "all 'I's will be dotted and 't's crossed," that he had heard complaints about how the government's gesture was being paid out.
Information surfaced indicating that various groups, particularly students, disapproved of the N50,000 palliative fund distribution method to impoverished students nationwide.
According to the pupils, there have been attempts by certain government officials to deceive and hinder the students from getting what is due to them.
"On the N5 billion palliative, I believe the government has set up a committee and we will involve all relevant stakeholders," Okubadejo stated. "I know the government is ready to listen and make amends if you are concerned about any part of the distribution process at all." Though it's not much money, consider this the first of many similar projects to come.
"The Ministry of Education is now compiling and validating a large amount of data for the register that it will utilise. Although a few students have voiced concerns, you can be sure that everything will be handled openly. The purpose of using the current list was to launch the programme right away.
Actually, the reason BVN and NIN are used in this plan is because we are also utilising technology to ensure accurate identification. You may relax knowing that everything will be done in a transparent manner.
In her remarks, Okubadejo highlighted the accomplishments of the government over the previous five years, pointing out that the creation of six new economic growth clusters elevated the state to the status of an industrial centre.
In order to build necessary infrastructure, cut costs, and provide businesses complete support in supplying power, water, and security, he continued, the government had established the Economic Development Clusters and worked with the private sector.
He highlighted the state's notable digital transformation, pointing out how it has made transactions easier for citizens and companies. "The primary efforts include the digitalization of commercial premises permits and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), as well as holistic reforms in land processes to promote transparency and streamline transactions, thereby attracting investments into the state.
"With our Internally Generated Revenue, Ogun State has experienced remarkable financial growth, rising from 50 billion in 2020 to over 130 billion in 2023."
The Forum's goal, according to state NUJ Chairman Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, was to give the governed and the government a forum for communication.
He said that the state was the envy of others because of the numerous accomplishments of the Governor Abiodun-led administration, which put the state ahead of others.