The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State government, has launched the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer programme in the state, disbursing over ₦2.1 billion to vulnerable citizens across the state.
The flag-off ceremony held at the Women Development Centre in Uyo was performed by the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki on behalf of the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Governor Eno, in his message, reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable citizens, describing the programme as a crucial intervention in the fight against poverty.
“Even though we are undertaking numerous impactful infrastructural and economic projects, the legacy I most cherish is our ability to touch lives and rekindle public confidence in government. This initiative aligns with that vision,” the governor stated.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s social investment drive, noting its positive impact on the poorest segments of society and highlighting ongoing state initiatives, including business and agricultural empowerment schemes, just as he disclosed that over ₦60 billion out of a ₦98 billion backlog of gratuities from 2012 to 2023 had been paid.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Emem Ibanga, in her remarks, commended Governor Eno for prioritising social welfare, citing the construction of over 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes under his administration.
Providing further insights, Dr. Godwin Akpan, the Akwa Ibom State Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), explained that the Conditional Cash Transfer was a component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that the programme, which began in Akwa Ibom in 2019 with 29,117 households across nine local government areas, was scaled up in 2023 to cover all the 31 local government areas, adding that between January and July 2025, over ₦2.1 billion had been disbursed.
Goodwill messages came from the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Linus Nkan; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas; and Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Barr. Utibe Nwoko. They all lauded the Federal Government’s effort and pledged local support for sustained implementation.
A visually impaired beneficiary, Mr. Joseph Emmanuel from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, thanked both the federal and state governments for ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
The event featured the distribution of debit cards loaded with ₦75,000, covering three months’ support to selected beneficiaries.
A total of 28,000 individuals drawn from the National Social Register across the 31 local government areas of the state are benefiting from the first phase of the programme.
READ ALSO: Ododo flags off conditional cash transfer for over 13,359 schoolgirls in Kogi
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