MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE EXPANDS PALLIATIVE DISTRIBUTION TO STUDENTS AND FCT COMMUNITIES

The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, CFA, has extended the Federal Government’s palliative program to include students across the country and residents of the Federal Capital Territory, building on the successful distribution previously conducted in Imo State.

During a weekend engagement with beneficiaries, Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized that while the palliatives address immediate needs, they form part of the broader economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “These palliatives serve as a bridge while our comprehensive economic reforms take root,” the Minister stated.

The initiative has reached multiple demographics across the FCT’s Area Councils, with beneficiary groups including student bodies, women’s associations, community organizations, and vulnerable groups. Notable student organizations benefiting from the program include the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Nigerian Female Students Association (NFSAN), and NANS alumni networks.

Commending the initiative, Mr. Sunday Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, praised the Minister’s commitment to student welfare: “Dr. Uzoka-Anite has demonstrated remarkable understanding of students’ challenges in these times. Her proactive approach in extending these palliatives to students nationwide shows the Tinubu administration’s dedication to supporting Nigerian students while implementing necessary economic reforms. This intervention will significantly impact students’ welfare across our tertiary institutions.”

In the FCT, the distribution has particularly impacted grassroots organizations across various Area Councils, with special attention to women’s groups and community associations. Key beneficiaries include:

– FCT Market Women Associations

– Various Area Council Youth Associations

– Religious and Cultural Groups

– Widows’ Associations

– Community Development Organizations

This FCT distribution follows a successful rollout in Imo State, where thousands of bags were distributed across all 27 Local Government Areas, reaching religious institutions, community groups, women’s organizations, youth associations, and vulnerable populations.

“As both a public servant and resident of the FCT, I understand the immediate needs of our communities,” said Dr. Uzoka-Anite. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to supporting Nigerians while we implement lasting economic solutions.”

The Minister emphasized that the palliative distribution aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the immediate impact of economic reforms while building a more sustainable economic foundation for Nigeria.