……..launches statewide poverty alleviation program
By Toyin Saheed
The Gubernatorial candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Kwara State, Waziri Yakubu Gobir has flagged off a poverty alleviation program targeting 20,000 beneficiaries.
The multi-million-naira fund is expected to support the most vulnerable communities and individuals across the state.
Speaking to newsmen in Ilorin at the sidelines of the event, Gobir emphasized the need to prioritize social investments and capacity building to turn the tide on a festering economic crisis.
According to him “Micro, small and medium scale enterprises are the backbone of any economy.
“While I have supported Kwara entrepreneurs and small businesses through social investments over the years, this fund seeks to scale the impact by targeting the most vulnerable segments of society with economic palliatives which address the widening equality gap.”
Popularly known as ‘Alaanu Mekunu’, Gobir’s initiative comes on the back of similar programs implemented by the Gobir Organization Foundation over the past five years, which has empowered tens of thousands of Kwarans through interest and collateral free loans, subsidized agro inputs, healthcare funds and medical outreaches; as well as entrepreneurial capacity building initiatives.
With a soft launch in September 2022, the Alaanu Mekunnu targets all Kwarans in need, irrespective of ethnicity, political affiliation, religion or status.
Till date, over 38,000 applications for social support have been received, with 10% of the earmarked funds disbursed thus far.
