Ogun pledges transparency in distributing N5bn palliative fund
The Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, has assured the people of the state of transparent distribution of the N5 billion palliative intervention of the state government.
Okubadejo, who is also the Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, made this pledge while appearing at a guest forum organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, on Friday.
Our correspondent gathered that some individuals have frowned at the process of the disbursement of N50,000 palliative to indigent students across the country.
But in his reaction, Okubadejo said, “On the N5bn palliative, I think the government has set up a committee and we will involve all relevant stakeholders and if you are concerned about any part of the distribution process at all, I know the government is ready to listen and make amends.
“The money is really not much but just sees it as the first of such many initiatives to come. The register that will be used by the ministry of education is currently being compiled and a lot of validation is being done in the register. Some of the students have raised concerns but rest assured that this will be done transparently. The reason the current list is being used is to start the programme immediately.”
“In fact, we are also leveraging technology for proper identification and that is why we are using BVN and NIN in this scheme. Rest assured, this process will be done transparently.”
Earlier, the state NUJ Chairman, Wale Olarenwaju, noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration had recorded many achievements that placed the state ahead of others, “making the ISEYA mantra an envy of others.”
