Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has flagged off the distribution of the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Preloaded Debit Cards to more than 12,000 beneficiaries in the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Abakaliki, was performed on behalf of the governor by the State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe. She announced that the beneficiaries would access the funds through their respective bank accounts using preloaded debit cards.
The Conditional Cash Transfer is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda, aimed at providing direct financial support to poor and vulnerable households to cushion the effects of current economic hardship.
“We are here today because of the magnanimity of Governor Francis Nwifuru, who has attracted the Renewed Hope CCT initiative to empower Ebonyi people,” said Mrs. Aligwe.
She disclosed that over 12,000 individuals would benefit in the first phase, with additional phases planned. Each beneficiary will receive N25,000 monthly, with the initial disbursement covering two payment cycles — amounting to N50,000 per person.
“The debit cards have already been preloaded, and beneficiaries can now visit their banks to withdraw the funds,” she explained.
Mrs Aligwe commended President Bola Tinubu for what she described as his commitment to grassroots development through programs like the Renewed Hope CCT.
Also speaking, the State Programme Manager for the Renewed Hope CCT, Mrs Icha Mercy, lauded both the federal and state governments for prioritizing citizens' welfare. “We are here to witness the impact of what President Bola Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru are doing for the people of Ebonyi by delivering this financial empowerment,” she said.
She advised beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely to improve their standard of living.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr Idam Luke and Ms Ugbala Ngozi, expressed joy and gratitude to both the federal and state governments for the financial support.
Victor Nwegede
