From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has announced that his administration has opened two million bank accounts for poor residents of the state, emphasising that his government is committed to a “pro-poor, people-centred administration.”
The governor disclosed this during the distribution of food items and palliatives for Christmas and New Year at the Umaru Yar’adua Conference Centre, Kaduna. The event was initiated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Governor Sani described the First Lady as the “mother of the nation” and commended her for her compassion and care for the underprivileged.
According to the governor: “Through our Financial Inclusion Programme, we have opened over two million bank accounts for poor, vulnerable, and underserved persons to enable them to benefit from state and federal government social intervention programmes.
“We have gathered several times in Murtala Square to distribute palliatives, agricultural inputs, grants, and soft loans to the poor, vulnerable, farmers, and micro and small-scale enterprises,” he added.
The governor urged Kaduna residents to use the festive season to consolidate the state’s prevailing peaceful atmosphere.
“Our dear state has bounced back to reckoning. The Kaduna Peace Model is fast gaining recognition and acceptance. Many conflict-impacted states are interested in replicating our model,” he said.
Governor Sani also praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stating: “Her life is one totally devoted to the service of humanity.
“As First Lady of Lagos State, she initiated many social intervention programmes to uplift the living conditions of the poor, weak, vulnerable, and underserved.
“In the 9th Senate, she sponsored many motions and bills aimed at empowering the less privileged. Her Excellency was my dear colleague in the 9th Senate. Like the mother that she truly is, she took good care of us, her colleagues. We were always sure of receiving welfare packages from her during festive periods. Her generosity knows no bounds,” he recalled.
The governor noted that as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Tinubu “has not relented in her efforts at putting smiles on the faces of the underprivileged in our society.”
He highlighted her Renewed Hope Schemes for the Elderly and Women as “clear pointers to her unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people.”
The distribution of palliatives, according to the governor, also affirms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.
“Our dear President has initiated many social intervention programmes aimed at bringing succour to the weak, poor, and vulnerable in Nigeria,” he added.
Governor Sani described President Bola Tinubu as a “listening President.”
“He hears the cries of his people and takes measures to lessen their pains. He is taking steps to address our economic challenges. The future looks bright,” he concluded.