The Federal Government has disbursed N2.1 billion under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme to vulnerable residents in Akwa Ibom State between January and July 2025. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at supporting low-income households.

Godwin Akpan, the Akwa Ibom State Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme, revealed this during the official launch of the programme in Uyo, the state capital.

He explained that Akwa Ibom State was first included in the CCT scheme in 2019 with 29,117 households across nine local government areas. In December 2023, the programme was expanded to cover all 31 local government areas of the state.

“The Conditional Cash Transfer is a key part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akpan said. “We are committed to ensuring that the funds get to those who need it most.”

Helen Obareki, Coordinator at the Office of the First Lady, praised President Tinubu for prioritising vulnerable Nigerians. She highlighted the value of the programme as a long-lasting legacy that restores hope in governance.

“I have always said that, even though we are currently embarking on numerous audacious projects of deep economic significance, the greatest legacy I hope to leave behind, will be our impact in the lives of the people, especially the most vulnerable and in the process, help restore their faith in the noble ideals of government and governance,” Obareki stated.

She affirmed her continuous support for the President’s social investment policies, emphasizing how they bring real empowerment to households in need. She also acknowledged the state’s additional efforts in business and agricultural empowerment, as well as in settling pensions and gratuities.

“We have paid over N60 billion out of a N98 billion backlog in gratuities from 2012 to 2023,” she noted, encouraging beneficiaries to use the funds and support future government projects wisely.

Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Emem Ibanga, expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the welfare of citizens. According to her, the government has built and inaugurated over 205 ARISE compassionate homes for the vulnerable under the current administration.

Key stakeholders also gave goodwill messages. Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Inibehe Silas, Commissioner for Women Affairs; and Utibe Nwoko, Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, each commended President Tinubu for integrating social security into national development strategies.

They promised to continue working as agents of change to uplift vulnerable communities.

One of the beneficiaries, Joseph Emmanuel, a visually impaired man from Ikot Ekpene, thanked both federal and state governments for the transparency in the selection process.

“I’m grateful that the programme has reached people like me. It shows the system can truly work,” he said.

The programme has reached about 28,000 individuals across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas.

Each beneficiary received a debit card preloaded with N75,000 to cover three months of financial support.