No fewer than 150, 000 persons in Akwa Ibom have benefitted from the Federal Government’s cash transfer programme since inception.
This was disclosed by Alhaji Abdullahi Iman, National Programme Manager, National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) during a stakeholders sensitisation meeting in Uyo on Tuesday.
Iman, represented by the Cross River State Programme Manager, Mr. Francis Aribiah, said that the stakeholders’ engagement became necessary to let the people know what NCTO has achieved.
He added that the sensitisation meeting also addressed misconceptions surrounding the cash transfer programme under the National Social Safety Nets Programme (NSSNP).
He reminded stakeholders that the programme had made significant progress, with over 150, 000 beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom alone receiving cash support of N75, 000 each.
“We are here to clear the misconception surrounding the cash transfer initiative. People tend to doubt every government programme, especially those involving financial assistance to the poor and vulnerable.
“There is a belief that the funds are not reaching the intended beneficiaries. To address this, we’re explaining the programme’s structure to key stakeholders, who will then enlighten their communities.
“I can assure you that 150, 000 individuals have benefited from the cash transfer programme in Akwa Ibom State, with each receiving N75, 000,” he said.
The national programme manager said the initiative had provided financial support to poor and vulnerable households to boost their consumption and overall well-being.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr Godwin Akpan, the State Focal Person of National Investment Programme Agency, said that the cash transfer programme was a real initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens.
Akpan urged persons who maybe in doubt to verify the agency claims by contacting the cash transfer unit at their respective Local Government Areas.
He, however, warned against faceless group collecting money from individuals to enlist them into the programme, stressing that the federal government programme was free.
“We urge the public to be cautious of scams and to report any suspicious activities, as we are committed to transparency and accountability in our programmes,” he said.
In her remarks, Ms. Emem Ibanga, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs commended Government for the collective efforts in empowering the poor and vulnerable households in the state.
Ibanga, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Emem Akpan, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the conditional cash transfer initiative, adding that it had positively impacted many communities.
The State Programme Manager of NCTO, Mr. Innocent Okure, said that the conditional cash transfer programme was the most transparent initiative of the federal government in recent time.
Okure attributed the success of the programme in the State to the strong support of the state government, local government areas, the security agencies, and other critical stakeholders.
