Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has been applauded for spending over N2.93 billion monthly on school feeding programme and N-Power in Abia State.
Abia State Focal Person on School Feeding and N-Power, Mr Chinenye Nwogu, who made the commendation during a rally in Umuahia to appreciate the Federal Government for the social investment programme, noted that the initiative had brought huge relief to the economically challenged people in the state.
He applauded President Buhari for the initiative which he said “addresses direct problems facing the poor and vulnerable in society.”
“We commend President Buhari for this initiative because he knows that the children of the poor will lack concentration in school because of hunger,” Nwogu said.
Nwogu further noted that the programme had enhanced the economic well-being of local food vendors involved in the supply chain of the programme.
He said Abia had remained the number one beneficiary of the programme in the South-East despite being an opposition state.
The Abia State Focal Person also commended the President for sustaining the initiative even in a distressed economy.
He equally applauded Abia State Government especially the wife of the Governor, Dr Mrs Ikpeazu, for even initiating the school feeding programme long before the Federal Government adopted it.
He explained that the social investment programme could only be a success in states where the Governor is supportive.
Nwogu who noted that a number of youths had exited the poverty pit through N-Power, said over 3000 vulnerable Abians had benefited from N20,000 grants given to them three times in the state.
Speaking earlier, Abia State Programme Manager of the school feeding programme, Mr Chukwuemeka Ahuruonye, also lauded President Buhari for the initiative, as well as Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu for his continued support to the initiative.
He said that Abia had performed creditably in the programme, and commended the food vendors involved in the programme for their dedication.
Participants at the rally including N-Power beneficiaries and food vendors involved in the scheme, held joyful march along major streets in Umuahia before proceeding to Ibeku High School for the rally.
