2027: Tinubu, Nwifuru empower over 35,000 Ebonyians with #70k each

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in partnership with Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has kicked off the distribution of credit cards to over 35,000 citizens of the state, aimed at empowering the people to overcome poverty, pains and sufferings.

The governor, Francis Nwifuru made this known to journalists in Abakaliki, shortly after the distribution of the credit cards to the beneficiaries, which took place at the women development centre Abakalik.

He said that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC”s government is ready to cushion the effects of economic hardship and boosting grassroots livelihoods.

Nwifuru, who spoke through the commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, said the distribution of the credit cards are done in batches.

The governor, Nwifuru explained that the programme targets 35,000 beneficiaries across the state’s 13 local government areas, with distribution structured to ensure orderly and inclusive access.

“Today, we are commencing with Afikpo Local Government Area, where not less than 4,500 beneficiaries are expected to receive their cards over a two-day period. 

“The exercise is designed to run local government by local government and ward by ward to ensure that every verified beneficiary receives their entitlement,” she said.

According to him, each beneficiary is entitled to financial support across three payment cycles, with some already credited fully and others partially.

“Some beneficiaries have already been credited with the full three cycles and will receive nothing less than ₦70,000, while others are on two cycles. 

“However, before the end of the programme, all beneficiaries will receive the complete three cycles,” she stated.

Nwifuru emphasized that strict verification protocols have been put in place to ensure transparency and eliminate duplication, noting that beneficiaries must present valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) details before receiving their cards.

He added that officials from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs were on ground with activation devices to authenticate beneficiaries in real time.

“In Ebonyi State, we have cases of similar names, so the NIN and BVN serve as unique identifiers to ensure that only the rightful beneficiaries receive the cards,” Aligwe said.

He further explained that once the cards are activated, beneficiaries can immediately access their funds through any Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal.

“The exercise, which began on April 28, is expected to continue until May 24, 2026, to allow adequate time for verification and distribution across all local government areas.

Providing operational insights, the Team Lead of the programme from Abuja, Michael Oluwasegun, said the process had been smooth and efficient.

“The process is not difficult. We are experienced in this and are here to assist all beneficiaries. Within five to ten minutes after activation, beneficiaries can access their funds seamlessly,” he said, adding that no major challenges had been encountered.

Some beneficiaries including Precious otu, Chinwe Ekuma, among others who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to the government for the intervention and  described their selection as a privilege and expressed gratitude to both the state and federal governments.

The Nations News reports that the Social Investment Programme is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic activity among vulnerable populations, particularly at the grassroots level.