Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced the opening of two million bank accounts aimed at benefiting the poor and underserved individuals in the state.
The initiative, part of his administration’s “pro-poor, people-centred” governance approach, is designed to promote financial inclusion and ensure that vulnerable groups can access both state and federal government social intervention programs.
Governor Sani made the announcement on Thursday at the distribution of food items and palliatives for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The event, which took place at the Umaru Yar’adua Conference Centre in Kaduna, was organized by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“Through our financial inclusion programme, we have opened over two million bank accounts for poor, vulnerable, and underserved persons to enable them to benefit from state and Federal Government social intervention programmes,” Governor Sani stated, underscoring the significance of the initiative for those who have been previously excluded from financial systems.
The governor also reflected on other initiatives implemented by his administration, such as the distribution of palliatives, agricultural inputs, grants, and soft loans to support small-scale enterprises and farmers.
Praising the First Lady for her dedication to social welfare, Governor Sani described her as “the mother of the nation who is caring and compassionate.”
He commended her efforts to initiate impactful social programs both as First Lady of Lagos State and as a senator in the 9th National Assembly.
Her Excellency’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens has been consistent, especially during festive periods, where she has ensured her colleagues in the National Assembly were well-supported, Sani added.
In his speech, Governor Sani also encouraged the residents of Kaduna State to build on the peace established in the state, referring to the Kaduna Peace Model as a successful conflict resolution strategy.
He expressed confidence that the state had “bounced back to reckoning” and was now seen as a model for other conflict-impacted regions to emulate.
The governor also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his responsiveness to the needs of Nigerians, crediting him as a “listening President” dedicated to alleviating the struggles of citizens through various social intervention programs.
This initiative marks a significant step in Governor Sani’s drive to empower the underprivileged and ensure they have the means to participate in the country’s economic and social systems.