Gov. Nwifuru empowers 17, 000 citizens to reduce hardship, poverty in Ebonyi 

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru in a drive to cushion the economic hardship on vulnerable persons in the state has commenced the disbursement of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, benefiting over 17,000 residents across various local government areas of the state.

The Nations News reports that the beneficiaries are to receive three payment cycles totaling N72,000 through preloaded debit cards under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

The governor, Nwifuru who was represented by the commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe made this known during the official flag off disbursement of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program held at the women development center, WDC, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

He emphasized that the CCT is a direct response to the government’s “People’s Charter of Needs” — a blueprint that places the welfare of Ebonyians, especially the poor and vulnerable, at the core of the present administration.

 “We started with 5,000 and 10,000 Naira stipends in the past, but the economic situation made us realize it wasn’t enough. Today, each beneficiary is receiving N72,000 to make a real impact on their livelihood. This is more than a gesture — it’s a strategy for sustainable empowerment,” Aligwe said.

Nwifuru stated further that the 12,000 beneficiaries received payment in May, while another 5,000-plus are currently being paid, with more awaiting the next batch in the coming month.

He said, the total number of those captured on Ebonyi’s CCT register stands at over 223,000 residents, with selection having begun since the COVID-19 pandemic era through community-based enumeration.

The Commissioner clarified that beneficiaries are drawn from rural and underserved communities, carefully documented between 2020 and 2021, despite early skepticism by locals during the data-gathering stage.

The governor further described the CCT initiative as a part of the broader Renewed Hope Social Investment Program of President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at providing economic relief and reducing poverty, adding that in Ebonyi, its impact is expected to stimulate micro-enterprises, reduce extreme poverty, and inject over N1.2 billion into the grassroots economy over time.

Earlier in a remark, the State Program Manager of the CCT initiative, Mrs. Nnenna Icha, described the day as historic for Ebonyi, noting that the state has never witnessed such a significant inclusion in a federal social protection scheme.

“Ebonyi has always been sidelined in the past, but today, through the vision of our governor and the support of President Bola Tinubu, the state is at the forefront of national empowerment efforts. This is commendable,” Icha stated.

Responding, the CCT facilitator for Ebonyi Local Government Area, Anamelechi Nwalem called for the sustainability of the program, citing its far-reaching implications for the local and national economy. 

One of the beneficiaries, Chukwu Chukwu, from Afikpo, described the initiative as life-saving.

“With this money, I can now expand my business. I never believed this government would remember us in the village,” he said.

Another, Roseline Nkiru Ibe, said she plans to start a new business, “This money is a seed. I thank our governor and President Tinubu for this opportunity,” she noted.