From Dauda Iliya (Borno)
Federal government has launched the distribution of 30,000 naira cash transfer to one thousand vulnerable women in Borno state to cushion the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.
The Risk Communication and Community Engagement project is under the United Nations Basket Fund Support to the National Covid-19 Multi-Sectoral Pandemic Response in Nigeria.
Launching the intervention in Maiduguri, Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen said the beneficiaries would receive 15,000 each in two tranches between March and May, 2021.
Represented by the Borno state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, the Minister said the pandemic had threatened the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians and increase insecurity and Gender-Based violence.
According to her, the Fund was conceived to contribute to strengthening resilience and coping capacity of some of the most vulnerable covid-19 affected households including level-headed households, women living with HIV/AIDs and women with disabilities.
“As we work to build back post Covid-19 society, we must prioritize on women and children who are the most vulnerable. They must be given the opportunities and tools with which to be socially, financially and economically empowered to challengeand confront every negative situation”.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Isa Marte appreciated the continued support of the federal government and development partners in rebuilding the livelihood of victims of insurgency.
He called on the beneficiaries to make better use of the cash support to improve their lives.
Country Representative of UN Women, Ms. Comfort Lamptey and representative of Commissioner for Women Affairs Hajiya Falmata Hamza appreciated the resilience shown by women during the pandemic, calling for more support to women and girls.
High point of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to four of the beneficiaries.
