…As 27,000 Indigenes Receive ₦2,025b Conditional Cash Transfer

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated that its humanitarian initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, as it reaffirmed commitment to improving the welfare of the citizenry.

Speaking at the flag-off of the programme on Friday, July 25, in Uyo, Governor Umo Eno commended the Federal Government for the initiative, and expressed fulfillment that the programme aligns with his leadership style anchored on compassion, inclusiveness and strategic support for the vulnerable.

According to the Governor, the immediate scale up of benefitting local government areas from 9 to 31 when he assumed office in 2023, buttressed his resolve to empower vulnerable families.

Represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obaseki, Governor Eno also commended the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for the great job done so far in interpreting his vision as captured in his developmental blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.

He announced that each of the 27,000 beneficiaries across all the 31 local government areas of the State, drawn from the social register, will receive a one-time lump sum of ₦75,000, amounting to a total disbursement of ₦2.025 billion.

The Governor also thanked Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her efforts in interpreting and implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda,  with a focus on vulnerable groups, and urged the beneficiaries to use the cash judiciously and support the President’s efforts in building a more inclusive  nation.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, maintained that Akwa Ibom had already begun delivering similar interventions since the inception of the Pastor Eno-led administration in May 2023, under the ARISE Agenda.

According to her, “What the Federal Government has brought today is a welcome boost to a journey we already began last year. The ARISE Agenda under Governor Umo Eno, has laid a strong foundation in humanitarian investment, social security, and poverty alleviation that directly aligns with the Renewed Hope vision of the Federal Government.”

Highlighting key achievements of the Umo Eno administration in the humanitarian space, the Commissioner cited over 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes built for vulnerable citizens across the State, equipment support for over 2,000 MSMEs through the ARISE Equipment Support Scheme, Monthly stipends paid to 600 elderly persons, enrollment of 1,287 persons with disabilities and the elderly in the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme.

Others include, educational support for 243 students with disabilities, ₦50,000 grants to 30,000 youths, and ₦750,000 each to 400 female youth entrepreneurs.

The Humanitarian Affairs boss also mentioned over 477,000 households reached through the ARISE free food distribution programme handled by the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, AKBPA.

Hon. Ibanga commended the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, for its commitment to social protection and pro-poor governance. She noted that the RH-CCT will directly benefit 27,000 households across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas, with each receiving a lump sum of ₦75,000,  covering three months at ₦25,000 per month to provide immediate financial relief and stimulate local economic activities.

“This intervention is not just about giving money; it is about restoring dignity, reducing vulnerability, and creating a pathway out of poverty,” she said.

The Commissioner further acknowledged the strong partnership between the State’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), describing the synergy as pivotal to seamless, transparent, and impactful programme delivery.

While calling for more collaboration from corporate bodies, multinationals, and philanthropic individuals, she stressed that social protection should not be the burden of government alone. “Let us work together to ensure that no vulnerable person is left behind in Akwa Ibom State,” she appealed.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Princess Ibanga urged them to make wise use of the support, invest in sustainable ventures, and avoid falling victim to fraudsters. She also reassured those not captured in the current batch, that efforts are ongoing to expand and update the State Social Register to accommodate more deserving citizens.

The Commissioner also appealed to Local Government Chairmen to support the next round of registrations, emphasizing their pivotal role in identifying the most vulnerable members of their communities.

Also speaking, the Focal Person of the National Social Investment Programme, Dr. Godwin Akpan informed that the intervention programme is a flagship component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and is being implemented across the country.

He commended Governor Eno for his support and passion for human capacity development clearly captured in his ARISE Agenda.

Giving an overview of the initiative, the State Programme Manager, Mr. Innocent Okure explained that Akwa Ibom State joined the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme in 2019 with 29,117 households starting with 9 local government areas, before it was scaled up to the 31 local government areas in  2023.

“Today, we’re distributing debit cards to over 28,834 benefiaries across the State, these cards serve not just as tools of financial inclusion, but as instruments of dignity, empowerment and hope for families in need. Between July 2019  and December 2024, Akwa Ibom State recorded a total cash transfer of N5, 110, 495, 000, disbursed to vulnerable individuals in just the first seven months of 2025. From January to July, another N2,162,550, 000 is current being paid to 28,834 beneficiaries. This is a clear testament to the scale up and impact of this intervention”, he said.

Goodwill messages at the event were delivered by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Linus Nkan, his counterpart in Women Affairs and Social Welfare Ministry, Hon. Inibehe Silas and the Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Hon. Utibe Nwoko, who all appreciated the Federal and State Governments for the programme, describing it as a stepping stone to eradicating poverty.

Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon Aniekan Umanah; Delivery Advisor on the Senior Citizens Centre Project, Dr. Itanwan James; Coordinator of the Arise Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs. Mercy Eka; State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom; Permanent Secretaries; Vice Chairmen; Aides to the Governor; Federal and State Directors of Ministries departments and agencies, representatives of security agencies; Beneficiaries as well as men, women, and youths, among others.