NSIP: FG Charges Independent Monitors on Sincerity and Commitment
By Abubakar Hassan
The Federal Government has charged Independent Monitors of National Social Investment Programs (NSIP) to be committed, sincere and diligent while discharging the national assignment entrusted in their hands.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHDSD) Sadiya Umar Farouq gave this charge in Akure while speaking during the training of the 86 independent monitors of the NSIP from across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State.
A press release signed by Folashade Oladeinde, Communication Officer of the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) said the Minister reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government towards ensuring the successful implementation of NSIP in all participating states, hence the reason for the engagement of independent monitors that are residents in the various LGAs across the State.
Farouq who was represented by her Technical Adviser Mrs Kemisola Oluwasetemi, stated that the monitors are to keep eyes on the beneficiaries within their communities without bias or favour and warned them not to engage in any untoward act that may bring disrepute to the program. She assured them of guidance for effective delivery of the national assignment in their respective communities.
“We have warning the monitors not to collaborate with the people to perpetrate any kind of fraud, as the consequence will be severe on anyone caught with fraudulent acts,” the minister said.
While speaking to the participants, the Focal Person of all Social Interventions in the state, Mrs Olubunmi Ademosu confirmed that poor and vulnerable people within the state have been benefiting from various interventions and that it was for that purpose that the monitors have been saddled with the responsibility of monitoring beneficiaries of NPower Program, National Homegrown School Feeding Program, Conditional Cash Transfer Program and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program in the state.
According to her, the monitors are to ensure that the objectives of these interventions are achieved. She urged the 86 monitors to see the task as a call to duty and as their own contribution to the effort of the Federal Government in lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
In one of her presentations at training, a resource person, Dr. Oluwakemi Lawanson, said the essence of the training was to equipped them for the task ahead.
She mentioned further that the report expected from them through their state government to the federal government will be analysed to ascertain the progress made and to identify any challenges or gaps so that adjustment can be made as soon as possible.
Also present at the training were the Director Finance and Account Alhaji Abdulahi Muss II from NSIP under MHDSD, the Acting Permanent Secretary Multilateral, Ondo State and the State Program Manager Mr Julius Olupona.