Ondo Councils Begin ₦20,000 Monthly Support for 5,400 Elderly Residents

(The Ondo State Commissioner And Chieftaincy Affairs. Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria)

The 18 local government councils in Ondo State have initiated a welfare programme providing approximately 5,400 elderly residents with a monthly stipend of N20,000.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, announced the initiative in Akure on Monday, characterising it as designed to enhance welfare provision for vulnerable populations, particularly senior citizens.

Each of the 18 local government areas identified a minimum of 300 residents aged 70 years and above to receive monthly payments, with councils considering expansion of beneficiary numbers as the programme advances.

Takuro indicated councils are providing minimum monthly payments of N20,000 to qualifying elderly residents, with potential future increases.

Beyond elderly assistance, the councils have established youth and women empowerment initiatives targeting poverty reduction and economic opportunity expansion throughout the state.

Youth programmes operate on a monthly basis, with local governments identifying young people capable of productively utilising financial assistance.

Women receive prioritisation recognition for their roles within family and community structures.

The councils are strengthening farmer assistance through distribution of agricultural inputs including cocoa and palm seedlings alongside fertiliser supplies.

Authorities are working toward harmonising agricultural support programming across all 18 councils whilst permitting individual councils autonomy in addressing area-specific farmer requirements.

Takuro disclosed efforts to establish coordinated systems determining quantities and categories of agricultural inputs for distribution.

The councils are developing collaborative frameworks establishing agreed-upon quantities of fertilisers and seedling supplies per local government relative to farming populations’ needs.

Takuro characterised these various interventions as components of broader local government efforts improving livelihoods, supporting vulnerable demographics and advancing economic productivity throughout Ondo State.