…says FCTA will profile eligible family…
By Muhammad Tanimu, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has extended support to indigent family with multiple births at the National Hospital Abuja
The minister who visited the triplet at the In-born Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the hospital made a cash donation of 250, 000 Naira to the couple, baby clothing, diapers and assorted toiletries for the upkeep of the babies.
Aliyu who was conducted round the hospital by the Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Aisha Umar, also stated that the FCT Administration was profiling eligible families that deserve support from government in line with the mandate of FCT Social Development Secretariat
“The FCT Administration, through its Social Development Secretariat, has a policy for supporting indigent families with multiple births, especially the less privileged ones. But with economic down-turn, the policy was set aside temporarily, but it’s being revisited.
“I’m here in my private capacity. I am here today as a mother and as a human being. Hopefully when we resume on Monday after the break other families will be profiled for visitation which will be carried out by the Gender Department of the SDS to ensure only deserving families are visited,” she stressed.
She also disclosed that beneficiaries of the welfare policy of the Administration had hitherto abused the process, thus depriving eligible families.
Her words: “Actually most of the time government discontinues processes like this because they are being abused by indigent and citizens and we have seen situations where beneficiaries abuse such supports, piling up bills and depriving requiring eligible families.
So now we want to follow due process and ensure that only deserving families with multiple births and indigent families benefit from this support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
“In the past we have seen situations where supports such as shelter, is provided for those categorised as the poorest of the poor and could not afford shelter for themselves. By the grace of God under this Administration we are revisiting that but for now I am here in my capacity as a mother and a human being to support some indigent families”.
In his response, one of the beneficiaries and father of the triplet, Evangelist Advocate Tommy, expressed gratitude to FCT Minister of State for her kind gesture, praying for God’s guidance and favour upon her.
“I am overwhelmed with this kind of gesture especially from government official. I am still in shock to have a close contact with a serving minister. Her visitation alone is enough testimony, but she crown it all with cash and assorted gift items. May God bless her richly,” he added.
The highpoint of the visit was additional cash donation of 10,000 Naira each and wrappers to 50 families with different medical challenges.