In a renewed drive to cushion the economic hardship on vulnerable groups in Ebonyi State, the Government of Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has commenced a large-scale disbursement of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, benefiting over 17,000 residents across various local government areas of the state.
The payment flag-off ceremony held on Wednesday at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, saw thousands of beneficiaries receiving three payment cycles totaling N72,000 through preloaded debit cards under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
Speaking during the flag-off, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, who represented Governor Nwifuru at the event emphasized that the CCT is a direct response to the governor’s “People’s Charter of Needs” — a blueprint that places the welfare of Ebonyians, especially the poor and vulnerable, at the core of his 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.
According to the commissioner, 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.
She 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.
Aligwe reiterated the governor’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots by collaborating closely with federal authorities.
“This is not just about cash. It's about dignity, economic inclusion, and the right to decent living. The governor is passionate about making sure our people are empowered to fend for their families,” she said.
Aligwe warned payment facilitators against leaving any area until all beneficiaries receive their full entitlement, reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability
She said the CCT initiative is 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.
Also speaking, Mrs. Nnenna Icha, State Program Manager of the CCT initiative, 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.
In her remarks, Anamelechi Nwalem, the CCT facilitator for Ebonyi Local Government Area, called for the sustainability of the program, citing its far-reaching implications for the local and national economy.
She highlighted how the funds would stimulate small-scale businesses, increase household income, and reduce dependency in rural communities.
Beneficiaries at the event shared stories of hope and gratitude. 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,” she said, visibly emotional.
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.
