Edo State Government said on Wednesday that it has disbursed N400 million to assist over 624 indigent persons between 2020 and 2024.

Speaking at a press conference in Benin on Wednesday, the secretary of the committee, Igbogo Ebamiyo Peter, said the setting up of the Mercy Committee by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was one of the success stories of the state government.

Igbogo said Obaseki through the Mercy Committee, reached out to 235 persons in 2021, in 2022, he assisted 151 persons, and in 2023, 196 benefited, while in 2024, he assisted 142 persons.

He said the governor budgeted N10 million monthly for the committee to assist people in the state but later increased the budget by 100% at the beginning of this year.

Igbogo said those seeking the governor’s assistance were suffering from cancer-related issues, kidney transplants, heart, liver and other chronic health challenges, with over 128 persons receiving support in the last three and a half years.

He also disclosed that over 131 indigent persons also asked for and received assistance for education, saying that these persons were assisted with school aids to further or complete their education programmes.

Igbogo said about 287 persons were assisted in setting up mini-businesses and supporting funds to either start or upgrade existing businesses.