By Princess Sumanu Funsho
The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon Asiwaju Idris has Stated that tackling unemployment and ensuring food security is a good way of efficiently curbing insecurity in the society.
The Commissioner made this known during a meeting with members of the Youths Empowerment and Social Support Operation YESSO
Hon Idris, commended the governor for the prompt release of counterpart funds which has helped the programme succeed in the State.
The Commissioner noted that even though the projects of YESSO cannot be commissioned, he said they are qualitative programmes that could be showcased to the people of the State.
He said the governor has graciously approved funds for the flag off of the projects and promised to ensure the funds is utilized for the purpose it is meant for and also,for the overall benefits of the State.
While assuring the YESSO Team of the Ministry’s commitment to partner with them to enable it sustains its program, the Commissioner said there is need for the beneficiaries of the program to be identified for the purpose of interaction and to showcase what the State government is doing.
Hon Idris who maintained that the impacts of the projects of YESSO on the lives of the people especially at the rural areas cannot be overemphasized, called on them to look for ways of sourcing for more funds to enable it sustain its program
Earlier the State Project coordinator of YESSO, Mr Noah Alilu said the purpose of their visit was to congratulate the Commissioner on his reappointment and also thank him for his contributions to the success of the program in the State.
While recalling that the Commissioner’s intervention once led to the Exco to approve about 50, 000 beneficiaries of the program in the State, Mr Noah said his action is worthy of emulation.
Presenting the database of beneficiaries across the State to the Commissioner, the Coordinator said the programme is aimed at poverty reduction and employment generation.
He said of all the member States of YESSO, Kogi State has the highest database which was acknowledged by the World Bank with an award presented to them.
Mr Noah while commending the governor for his support and provision of conducive environment for the smooth operation of the program, however used the medium to call on the Commissioner to use his good office to ensure that the goals of YESSO are achieved adding that ,many are yet to be achieved.
