Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to social inclusion and economic support for vulnerable citizens as he launched the second phase of the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer programme in the state.
The official flag-off ceremony took place Friday at the Akure South Local Government Secretariat, where the governor also unveiled the Renewed Hope Debit Cards to beneficiaries drawn from the 18 Local Government Areas.
Under the initiative, no fewer than 16,255 residents are expected to receive ₦75,000 each, paid in three monthly installments of ₦25,000, directly via personalized debit cards. The programme, implemented through the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the intervention as a significant move to cushion the economic challenges faced by many households in the state.
“This programme reflects our unwavering commitment to improving lives and delivering Renewed Hope to our people,” he said.
He revealed that over ₦1.2 billion would be disbursed in this phase alone, noting that it builds on the first round carried out in November 2024, where 8,637 beneficiaries received a total of ₦647.7 million.
The Governor also assured that efforts are underway to expand the state’s social register to include more households in need, pledging that no one would be left behind.
He thanked President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for sustaining the initiative, while urging beneficiaries to use the funds wisely for household welfare and economic empowerment.
The Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, Mr. Alonge Felix Kolawole, in his remarks, said the intervention was in line with the “Our Ease” policy targeted at easing the burden on women and persons with disabilities. He added that the selection of beneficiaries followed a rigorous, community-based process, free from political interference.
Also speaking, the National Orientation Agency’s State Director, Mr. James Adekunle, applauded the state government for embracing the Renewed Hope programme fully, while commending the Governor for making federal initiatives accessible at the grassroots level.
Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, lauded the Governor’s poverty reduction drive, calling him “God-sent,” and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, also extolled Aiyedatiwa’s alignment with the federal development agenda.
In his vote of thanks, the Governor’s aide on Youth Empowerment, Mr. Gbayisemore Orioye, said the state had become the third in the country to commence implementation of this phase, attributing the feat to the Governor’s proactive leadership.
One of the beneficiaries, Falaye Emmanuel, expressed gratitude for the support, saying the cash transfer came at a critical time for his family.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Hon. Stephen Abitogun (Akure South 1); traditional rulers; LCDA chairmen; and other top government officials.
Discover more from Rootedscope Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
