Maryam Uwais Hits First Lady Again, Says SIP Is Not For Urban Areas

Samuel Oyejola, Abuja

The Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments Programme, Mrs Maryam Uwais has once again clarify some issues raised about the programme by First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

Mrs Marian Uwais in an interview with the PUNCH on Sunday federal government SIP is strictly for rural areas.

She noted that the programme has made huge impact especially on the rural economy.

”It appears so because everybody is concerned about poverty. The challenge is comparing it with what has happened in other countries; you are looking at what has happened over time. What we have done now is within just three years. We have put in place building blocks and structures, irrespective of political affiliations because poverty does not know political party, culture or religion.

”We have insulated our programme because we are determined to get to those who actually need the funds. Many people in the urban centres don’t know about the cash transfer because its focus is on the people in the rural areas.”

Uwais hinted that more fund will be used for SIP in 2019 fiscal year, saying ”we get increased funding and we are hoping that in the 2019 budget, we would have more funds released for our programme.”