UNDP unveils post COVID-19 support programme for Imo, Abiam states

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), yesterday, unveiled the Economic Revitilisation Support Programme on the post COVID -19 pandemic stimulus package for Imo and Abia states and gave N195m to the Imo State Government.

At the event in Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma, who said the programme would help the states to boost their enterprising nature, commended the UNDP for the gesture.

He said the programme was symbolic as it was happening at a time Imo State had lost a lot economically due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

The governor disclosed that although his administration had initiated poverty reduction measures, the UNDP intervention would ameliorate and encourage vulnerable women and youths.

“If the programme is thoroughly implemented, it will go a long way in meeting the expectations of the UNDP,” he said, and urged the officials to work in ensuring that the objective of the programme was achieved.

“Our people must understand what others are doing globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our case is not peculiar. We must shun actions capable of discouraging partners from intervening in our situation.

“We are not created to be poor even though the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Imo State has the highest unemployment rate in Nigeria. We are enterprising people and we cannot have a beggarly mentality.

“What the UNDP has done for us will go a long way in further unearthing the enterprise and innovation in our people and encourage them to do more,” he said.

Speaking, UNDP Regional Bureau Director, Ahuna Eziakonwa, commended Uzodimma for hosting the programme and inclusion of many women in his administration.

She said the UNDP was keen to partnering with Imo State to ensure that youths and women benefitted from the intervention and also ensure that businesses grow.

On his part, UNDP’s Resident Representative, Mohammed Yahya, stressed the need to eradicate poverty in Nigeria, and Africa at large.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to Uzodimma on Sustainable Development Goals and Focal Person (NSIPs), Christina Ude, hinted that the state government was passionate about fighting poverty and diseases through intervention programmes.