By Correspondent in Abuja.
Hajiya Halima Shehu, the newly appointed National Coordinator, National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA), says the prigramme is committed to enduring better social intervention programmes for vulnerable people in the country.
Shehu specifically said the programme would be targeted at the most poor and vulnerable people and lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja shortly after she assumed office as the new National Coordinator of the agency under President Bola Tinubu Administration.
”As we all know, this N-SIP programme had been in existence since 2016 but yet to significantly address the poverty issues out of the country
”Because of this, the poor and vulnerable population in Nigeria keep increasing, twice the average population of Nigerians who can not afford the basic needs.
” We would our best to provide basic social do intervention for Nigerians, because as we all know, Poverty engenders crime in any society” she said.
The N-SIPA Boss also expressed commitment to change the narratives of the agency in the past where some of the social intervention programmes criticise due to lack of transparency and accountability.
”As we all know, the programmes have witnessed series of criticisms in the past as lacking in transparency, accountability, free and fair selection of beneficiaries as well as a realistic database amongst others.
”We hope to do better in this aspect, especially now that the programmes are governed by an act which is a legal framework that clearly states the function of the Agency, the Chief Executive Officer and Stakeholders” she added.
She, therefore, urged members of staff of the agency to give her maximum cooperation in a quest to deliver on its mandate.
”We have to be focused and committed in carrying out this sensitive assignment of poverty alleviation which is one of the biggest promises in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
”This Agenda cannot be achieved Without a great team and collaboration from all stakeholders, both at home and abroad which includes National and International Development partners.
”My working experience in this ministry of humanitarian affairs in the last 4 years availed me the opportunity to interface with the needy across the country.
”I have personally witnessed life changing situations on this programme to the beneficiaries, we have taken a lot of risk in carrying out these Humanitarian services.
”So I know exactly the scope of work at N-SIPA and the huge task ahead of us to be accomplished in limited timeline” Shehu said.
She expressed confidence that with the calibre of staff in the agency, the target of lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty would be achieved.
”I have confidence that with the support by our mother Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, N-SIPA would achieve its target.
”Because, I know that leading such a significant agency requires resilience, empathy and deep understanding of the challenges faced by the population in the country.
“I am committed to this course and I have no doubt you will accord the agency your unwavering support” she said.
