The Federal Government has stated that the government remains deeply committed to cushioning the effects and challenges that the removal of subsidies brought through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at addressing various sectors and needs of our people.
This was disclosed in a welcome address by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation,Mohammed Idris, ably represented by the Head of Centre (FFIC), Abia State, Lady Gloria Ify Abiakam, in a sensitization program organized by the Federal Information Center, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Bia State. He said,The removal of the fuel subsidy, while necessary, has undoubtedly brought about challenges that many of us are feeling deeply. But today, I am here to share the good news that your government is not blind to these challenges, nor are we indifferent.”. “We have come together with a shared purpose—to uplift and empower each and every one of us and to extend a hand of support in this period of transition.” “We embark on a crucial journey to inform and empower our fellow Nigerians about the Federal Government’s intervention programs designed to ease the impact of recent policy changes, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy.” Idris pointed out that these programs are vital for fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for every Nigerian.
In his words, “A multitude of opportunities are being created to help cushion the effects of this policy. The federal government is committed to standing by the people, ensuring that no one is left behind.” These intervention programs are designed with you in mind; they are meant to empower, uplift, and provide relief. The Minister highlighted the Federal Government intervention programs going on across the country with their website to include: “Students Loan Scheme” (nnelf.gov.ng), Consumer Credit Corporation (credicorp.ng), compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative (pci.gov.ng.), Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDiCE) program (boi.ng/idice), and Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) (SUPA.itf.gov.ng). Others include: National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP.gov.ng), Housing Initiatives (fha.gov.ng/ongoing-project), Nano-Business Support (tucnigeria-project), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA.ng), Micro and Small Business Loans (boi.ng/micro-business) and NDDC Internship Scheme for Niger Delta Youth (nyus.nddc.gov.ng). He pointed out that these initiatives are not just statistics or policies, but they represent real opportunities to change lives. According to him, they are a symbol of the government’s dedication to supporting the citizenry and ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open. He said that the government is not just addressing the challenge of today, but it is building a pathway to a better tomorrow. The Chairman of the occasion, a former member who represented Umuahia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Jerry Uzosike, in his address, decried the inability of universities in the southeast to upload their data required for the student loan scheme and passionately called on the media to hype such information in order to gain meaningfully from such programs of the Federal government. He appreciated the federal government’s efforts and the efforts of the Abia State Government geared towards alleviating the hardship the citizens are passing through as a people after the removal of fuel subsidies and implored easterners to leave apathy and queerness into the interventions. In a goodwill message, the immediate past deputy chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Godfrey Onwuka, who expressed his profound joy over the program, appreciated the federal government for providing a platform for letting people know about its intervention programs. He urged Abians to key into all these federal government intervention programs currently going on in the country. The event, which featured discussion, questions and answers sessions, saw the Abia State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Regina Iroha, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other notable personalities in attendance. The staff of the Federal Information Center, Federal Ministry of Information/National Orientation, Àbia State, took the sensitization to another level by engaging in street sensitization.
