MDGs: FG, Anambra commit N5bn to tackle poverty

To reduce the level of poverty in Anambra state and accelerate the efforts towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the federal government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs (OSSAP-MDGs), and Anambra state government have made a joint donation of N5 billion for the execution of pro-poor projects.

Governor Peter Obi and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr Precious Kalamba Gbeneol, disclosed this on Monday at the flag-off ceremony for 2012/2013 MDGs Conditional Grants Scheme to State and Local Governments held in Awka.

Obi said the fund, out of which a total of N3.8 billion was jointly contributed by the state and federal governments, would be used for the execution of projects “such as regional large water schemes, small town water projects, boreholes, abattoirs, schools, Healthcare facilities and medical staff quarters, amongst others.”
In her remarks, Gbeneol said in a final push towards accelerating the attainment of the MDGs in Nigeria, a total of 14 poorest LGAs were selected for direct intervention through the 2013 CGS to LGA track to the tune of N200 million each bringing the total to N2.8 billion.

She said: “In the state track, Anambra is also receiving a jointly contributed fund of N1 billion. The remaining N1.2 billion making up the N5billion is solely provided by the state government. Gbeneol added that six out of the fourteen LGAs, namely Ogbaru, Oyi, Idemili North, Anaocha, Ekwusigo and Ihiala initially selected have already received funding. The remaining eight LGAs recently added for intervention in the scale up will soon receive their funding.”

She expressed optimism that at the completion of these projects, many families across Anambra will be positively affected as more than three thousand projects would have been completed.
“I, therefore, urge everyone to take ownership and ensure that these projects are maintained for sustained use.”