59 independent monitors trained in A’Ibom for Integrated National Social Investment Programme

Akpan Udoh, Uyo

Fifty-nine independent monitors were trained at the weekend in Akwa Ibom state to support the Integrated National Social Investment Programmes of the federal government.

The monitors selected from the 31 local government areas of the state were trained on how to follow up on the implementation of the N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) and the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme(GEEP).

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, who was represented by Mr. Kingsley Ngene said that the idea behind engaging independent monitors was borne out of the need to monitor and evaluate the NSIP.

Ngene explained that the monitors would synergize with the state focal person and other stakeholders, gather data and report back to the ministry about the NSIP with the aim of ensuring the overall success of the programme.

He urged the monitors to help actualize President Muhammadu Buhari’s aim of alleviating poverty and reducing employment through the National Social Investment Programmes introduced by his administration.

”This is an opportunity to render service to humanity and Nigeria. The widows and the poorest of the poor in your communities have to be positively touched by the National Social Investment Programme”, he said.

The state focal person of the NSIP, Dr. Godwin Akpan said the Akwa Ibom government was very passionate about the NSIP of the federal government hence has provided support to ensure its success.

Dr. Akpan while commending President Buhari for introducing the NSIP urged the independent monitors to be sincere and committed in ensuring that the programme succeeds in Akwa Ibom state.

”President Buhari, the initiator of the National Social Investment Programme has zero tolerance for corruption likewise our governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. So I urge you not to avoid acts of corruption in the discharge of your jobs.

”For instance, do not compromise on the quality of food given to our children under the Home Grown School Feeding programme. We will not hesitate to remove and hand you over to security agencies if you are found to be corrupt”, he said.