The BTO CARES initiative has launched a direct support programme for vulnerable residents, students, artisans, traders, and unemployed youths across Ondo State. The programme was unveiled in Akure on Thursday by Ondo Community Connect as part of efforts to complement infrastructure development with interventions that address immediate social and economic needs. This initiative aims to provide targeted support to people facing hardship.
The Coordinator of BTO CARES, Mrs Iretidola Akinrowo Ojekhoa, stated that the initiative would place residents at the heart of development by providing targeted support to people facing hardship. She explained that the sponsor, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had facilitated projects including transformers, boreholes, solar lights, schools, and health centres in several communities. However, Ojekhoa noted that infrastructure alone could not resolve all the challenges confronting residents.
Ojekhoa mentioned that the minister recognised the limitations of infrastructure development and asked fundamental questions about its impact on the people. She said the concerns informed the creation of BTO CARES as a people-focused intervention that provides direct assistance beyond physical infrastructure. The programme operates through five areas covering emergency succour, education support, artisanship and skills, business development, and protection of vulnerable people and youths.
Under the programme, beneficiaries can receive assistance with hospital bills, medical referrals, food packs, and emergency accommodation for victims of disasters. The education component covers school fees from primary to university level, examination fees for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB. Beneficiaries can also receive books and uniforms, while eligible students will gain access to scholarship and bursary opportunities.
For artisans and skilled workers, BTO CARES will provide access to shared facilities, machines, and starter kits. The initiative will also connect beneficiaries to skills acquisition and internship opportunities to improve their chances of earning sustainable incomes. Traders and entrepreneurs will receive support through market and partnership linkages, including connections to government programmes operated by SMEDAN, BOI, and NDE.
Ojekhoa stated that the initiative would not distribute cash directly to beneficiaries, as it had adopted a no-cash-at-centre policy to promote accountability. She explained that approved school fees would go directly to schools, while hospitals would receive payments for verified medical bills. The programme will profile and verify applicants before approving assistance, treating emergency cases within 48 hours and processing standard applications within seven working days.
The launch of the programme was attended by 14 traditional rulers from communities under the Ondo Community Connect network, community leaders, media executives, and other stakeholders. Traditional rulers commended the programme, including the Oba of Ipinsha, Oba Olufunmilayo Ojo, and the Oba of Irese, Oba Ahmed Saka. They commended Tunji-Ojo for combining community infrastructure projects with interventions that directly support residents in need.
Key points
- BTO CARES provides targeted support to vulnerable residents in Ondo State.
- The programme operates through five areas, including emergency succour, education support, and business development.
- Beneficiaries will not receive cash directly, as the programme adopts a no-cash-at-centre policy to promote accountability.
