Christmas Day largesse: FG launches grants for poor, vulnerable groups in C’River today

Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has declared the Federal Government’s intention to launch grants for the very poor and vulnerable groups in Cross River State.

Edu said this, on Saturday, December 23, at the 15th coronation anniversary of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, which also coincided with the yearly Utomo Obong festival.

In a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the minister reiterated President BolaAhmed Tinubu’s determination to stamp out poverty in the country, ushering in a refreshing dawn for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

According to her, Cross River is dear to the President’s heart; hence, the Federal Government, through her ministry, will, on Christmas day, flag off grants for the very poor, vulnerable groups in the state, in partnership with the Cross River State government.

She said: “President Tinubu has directed that smiles be put on faces of the poor and vulnerable at the grassroots this Christmas season. So, we have put together names of vulnerable groups in the state, and we are beginning with those in the Southern Senatorial District. The flag-off will be at Millennium Park on Christmas Day.

“These funds that will be put in their pockets will help them to start micro-businesses that can go a long way in sustaining their families, pulling them out of poverty. The President has a full package for Cross River State and other states in the country, which will be unveiled throughout next year.”

The minister noted that her ministry has a checklist of would-be beneficiaries of the scheme, having reached out, through the traditional rulers, to all communities, wards, villages and people to select those who met the criteria in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Edu described the Utomo Obong festival as a classy celebration of the rich Efik cultural heritage. She congratulated the Obong on his 15th coronation anniversary, as well as for the success of the festival.