Akure (Nigeria): The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, says 396,671 households in Ondo State have benefited from the cash transfer initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Doro stated this on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting with beneficiaries of the programme in Ibule-Soro, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He also said that a total of N9.9 billion was disbursed to beneficiaries in three tranches and that the initiative had reduced beneficiaries’ poverty levels.
“My review showed me that many Nigerians are unaware of this laudable initiative by Mr President.
“In Ondo State, for example, we have delivered N9.9 billion in cash, with N75,000 paid to each beneficiary in three tranches, and we are committed to ensuring all tranches are paid,” Doro said.
“And, we are going to ensure that all three tranches are paid to the beneficiaries.
“I thought it would be important for me to showcase this laudable initiative by Mr President. And so I’m here to interface with beneficiaries to make sure the 9.9 billion has actually been paid to them.
He explained that beneficiaries were selected at random so he could confirm first-hand whether they received the funds.
According to him, the initiative aims to impact the lives of the poorest of the poor across the 36 states in the country, and it’s currently ongoing, with over 9 million households benefiting.
Doro said the stakeholders’ meeting was to gather the beneficiaries’ feedback to help the ministry with the new programme design.
“We are in the process of designing a new flagship for social protection in Nigeria. We thought meeting beneficiaries would give us the opportunity to get direct feedback and hear from them.
“Meet them and assess their needs, see how we can tailor whatever intervention we’re making to the very needs of beneficiaries,” he said.
The minister, who appreciated the president for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians, said the programme was free and free of discrimination.
Earlier, the minister visited Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and asked all Nigerians to support the president in his initiatives to take the country to a height of pride.
Responding, Aiyedatiwa commended the Renewed Hope Agenda for offering Nigerians hope amid current challenges.
He lauded the minister for adopting a field-based approach to ensure disbursements reached the intended beneficiaries.
Two beneficiaries, Elder Olusola Fawolu and Mr Dare Ibrahim, praised the programme and urged the Federal Government to improve it.
