Group Expresses Worries Over Non-Release Of Approved 2nd Phase World Bank Grant

By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City

A Socio Cultural Group, the Edo National Voice, ENV, has decried the continued delay by the management of Edo Job over the non- release to applicants of World Bank grant, (Edo NG-Cares Grant), just as they have called on Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to prevail on the management of the grant to pay applicants the approved amount.

The group alleged that the action of Edo Job on the matter is giving the impression that the fund was been kept in a fixed deposit by Edo job management for the sole purpose of attracting huge interest to the detriment of the applicants.

The group in a press release by ENV and signed by Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture-President and Comrade Collins Osaghae Amadin-Secretary General also recall that the governor had approved the release of the fund following appeals from the group and other quarters.

The group stated, ” Recalled that few weeks ago we urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to approve funds meant for the 2nd phase of the EDO NG-CARES GRANT which prompted Mr. Governor to act accordingly but nearly 6 weeks the approval was made by Mr. Governor, the Management of EdoJob haven’t deemed it expedient and necessary to release the money for the Beneficiaries who applied for the grant having done their vetting and M & E.

“Thus, the aforementioned narration has become necessary due to the numerous complaints we are receiving on a daily basis from the applicants who applied for the 2nd Phase of the EDO NG-CARES GRANT.

“Could it be that the Managementthe Edo National Voice, ENV, of EdoJob is keeping the money approved by Mr. Governor for the 2nd Phase of EDO NG-CARES GRANT in a fixed deposit account in order to yield interest for their sole purpose?

They also queried whether the Management of EdoJob want those who applied for the grant have heartache due to delay in the disbursement of the grant?. Why are those saddled with the constitutional responsibility to serve the masses using it to strangulate the lives of people?

They appealed , “to Governor Godwin Obaseki to mandate the Management of EdoJob to immediately release the funds approved for 2nd Phase of EDO NG-CARES GRANT(World Bank Grant)”.