The Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency on Monday distributed foodstuffs and cash gifts to over 10,000 widows, the aged, and people living with disabilities in the state. The OYCSDA Chairman, Abideen Adeaga, made this known while addressing beneficiaries at Alegongo Community Hall, Akobo, in Lagelu Local Government Area. He appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for providing funds used in micro-projects across the state and for supporting vulnerable groups under the psychosocial programme.
Adeaga said, “We appreciate God and governor Makinde for giving our agency the leverage to impact people’s lives through the implementation of micro-projects in 144 communities in the areas of portable water, erosion control, education support and community healthcare centres, as well as this psychosocial support for those in dire economic conditions.” He explained that the programme was ongoing across the state, adding, “Over 10,000 beneficiaries are enjoying this psychological support programme across the state, which means as we are distributing the welfare packages here in Ibadan, people are doing the same in Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ibarapa and Ogbomoso.”
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Hamzat Ade thanked the State Government for including support for widows, the aged and people with disabilities in its approach to governance.
According to officials, the psychosocial support programme was introduced under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, backed by the World Bank, the Federal Government and the State Government. It focuses on providing relief to people facing economic hardship.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Chairman of Akinleye Local Government, Ayobami Akinwole, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Oribayo Okeyode, PDP State Organising Secretary, Wulemotu Ibitoye, and Babatunde Tijani among others.
This support aligns with other interventions in the state. In June, the government distributed 10kg bags of rice to 30,000 residents under the second phase of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery.
In December last year, about 12,000 residents across Oyo benefited from welfare items, funds and counselling under OYCSDA’s 2024 psychosocial programme, showing continued efforts to ease the burden on vulnerable citizens.
