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NEW BTO CARES INITIATIVE TARGETS VULNERABLE RESIDENTS ACROSS ONDO
Residents facing hardship across Ondo State are set to receive targeted assistance under a new intervention programme designed to provide support in a...
By Wavers News
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo — Minister of Interior of Nigeria
The BTO CARES initiative was unveiled in Akure as part of efforts to complement infrastructure projects with direct assistance for vulnerable residents, students, artisans, traders and unemployed youths.
PROGRAMME TO COVER FIVE KEY AREAS
The initiative will operate across five major areas: emergency assistance, education support, artisanship and skills development, business development, and protection of vulnerable people and youths.
Emergency assistance will include support with hospital bills, medical referrals, food packs and temporary accommodation for victims of disasters.
The education component will provide assistance with school fees from primary to university level, as well as examination fees for WAEC, NECO and JAMB. Eligible beneficiaries may also receive books, uniforms, scholarships and bursaries.
SUPPORT FOR ARTISANS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Artisans and skilled workers will have access to shared facilities, machines and starter kits, including equipment such as sewing machines and clippers.
The programme will also connect beneficiaries with skills acquisition and internship opportunities intended to improve their ability to earn sustainable incomes.
Traders and entrepreneurs will receive market and partnership support, including links to programmes operated by agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Bank of Industry and National Directorate of Employment.
NO DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS
BTO CARES said it has adopted a no-cash-at-centre policy as part of measures to promote accountability.
Under the arrangement, approved school fees will be paid directly to schools, while verified medical bills will be settled with hospitals.
For approved business materials, payments will also be made directly to vendors rather than giving cash to beneficiaries.
SUPPORT TARGETS VULNERABLE GROUPS
The programme will also focus on widows, elderly people, persons with disabilities and orphans.
Unemployed youths will receive support aimed at helping them pursue productive livelihoods and reducing the pressures associated with joblessness.
Officials will profile and verify applicants before assistance is approved. Emergency cases are expected to be handled within 48 hours, while standard applications are expected to take up to seven working days to process.
PROGRAMME BUILDS ON COMMUNITY INTERVENTIONS
The initiative is linked to wider community development efforts in Ondo State, where infrastructure projects including transformers, boreholes, solar lights, schools and health centres have been facilitated in several communities.
At the launch, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders commended the initiative for combining infrastructure development with direct assistance to residents facing economic difficulties.
The programme also featured an exhibition and certification ceremony for graduates of the Bunmi Tunji-Ojo Skill Acquisition and Training programme, with products made at its production facility displayed during the event.
Residents seeking assistance can register at the BTO CARES office on Oyemekun Road in Akure, while officials are expected to conduct weekly outreach visits to hospitals, markets, schools and communities to identify eligible beneficiaries.