Senator Sunday Katung, representing the Southern Kaduna district, has launched the SMK Social Welfare Intervention Programme (SMK-SWIP) with a disbursement of N100 million to 400 constituents across the 87 wards to enhance their livelihoods.
During the launch on Monday in Kafanchan, Senator Katung, represented by Hon. Yohanna Allahmagani, emphasized that the SMK-SWIP is a foundational effort aimed at alleviating financial stress and promoting economic stability within the communities.
He stated, “Today, we are beginning with 400 beneficiaries, each carefully selected across the 87 political wards within our senatorial district. This pilot scheme will see 20 beneficiaries from each local government receive 100,000 Naira and 30 beneficiaries from each local government receive 50,000 Naira to ensure a wide reach, touching lives and providing necessary support where it is needed most.”
He highlighted that the gesture aims to uplift women and youth entrepreneurs, promote economic growth, and enhance the livelihoods of his constituents.
“As we are all acutely aware, the current economic climate in our beloved country has brought unprecedented challenges to many of our citizens. The hardship faced by families and individuals across Nigeria, and particularly within our Kaduna South Senatorial District, calls for decisive and compassionate action. It was in response to this urgent need that we have initiated this program, designed to provide immediate relief and sustained support to our most vulnerable constituents,” he said.
Senator Katung described the initiative as a reflection of a collective resolve to uplift the underprivileged and foster an environment where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
“The funds provided today are not merely financial aid; they are investments in the potential and future of our people. Whether it helps to start a small business, pay for education, or meet essential household needs, we hope these funds will bring immediate relief and set the stage for long-term self-sufficiency,” he added.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely and effectively, expressing confidence that the initiative would be a stepping stone to greater achievements and an improved quality of life. “Your success is our success, and we are here to support you every step of the way,” he noted.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Gideon Gwani, a former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, praised the initiative as commendable and called for maximum support and prayers for Senator Katung to succeed in all ramifications.
“We have never seen our Senators in the past embarking on a program like this. What Senator Katung is doing today is a challenge for those aspiring to be political office holders,” Gwani said.
He also warned against the impression that every senator has this kind of money, stressing, “I have been in the National Assembly and I know exactly what’s happening there.”
The Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, Hon. Francis Sani (Zimbo), urged politicians to emulate Senator Katung, saying that gestures like this help to eradicate poverty.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the senator and promised to make judicious use of the funds.
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