Akwa Ibom Govt Hails Tinubu As 56,402 Citizens Benefit From N4.2bn Social Safety Funds
The Akwa Ibom State Government has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens through the Federal Government’s Social Safety Net Programme.
Speaking during the debit card distribution ceremony in Ika Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the initiative as a significant intervention aimed at improving livelihoods across the grassroots.
“Humanity is the focus of this administration, and we deeply appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating this direct medium to reach our people at the grassroots. Under this current tranche, a total of 56,402 beneficiaries drawn from the National Social Register across all 31 Local Government Areas are receiving preloaded debit cards loaded with ₦25,000 monthly for three months, amounting to ₦75,000. Whether it serves as startup capital or support for an existing small business, this intervention will go a long way in transforming lives in our communities,” she said.
The Commissioner noted that the Federal Government’s intervention complements the humanitarian programmes already being implemented by Governor Umo Eno.
“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno has provided a conducive environment for these federal programmes to thrive alongside our state initiatives,” Ibanga said. “To date, the state’s food security and palliative programme has reached over 650,000 households through free food distribution and other humanitarian interventions. Even as the federal disbursement team continues its tour of the local government areas, I am pleased to announce that another round of state-sponsored palliative distribution will commence immediately.”
She further disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Government is set to commence the disbursement of ₦31 billion to women’s cooperatives across the 31 Local Government Areas as part of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and grassroots development.
Ibanga added that by aligning the Federal Government’s debit card initiative with the state’s humanitarian programmes and the forthcoming support for women’s cooperatives, Akwa Ibom is strengthening its social protection framework to ensure vulnerable citizens receive both financial support to improve their livelihoods and humanitarian assistance to sustain their households.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, welcomed the Federal Government delegation and appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the Social Safety Net intervention to 1,682 beneficiaries in the local government area. He urged beneficiaries to remain orderly as they filed out to collect their preloaded debit cards to ensure a smooth and transparent distribution process. The Council Chairman also thanked Governor Umo Eno for providing the peaceful and enabling environment that has facilitated the successful implementation of the programme across the state.
The Debit card distribution which was witnessed by the State Programme Manager, Innocent Okure , Local Government Coordinator, Ubong Ned and officials of the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
