Toba Owojaiye reporting
Calabar, Cross River
In a historic event at Millennium Park, Calabar, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Grants for the very poor and vulnerable groups was launched, marking a significant step in uplifting Nigerians from poverty.
On Christmas day, over 5,000 vulnerable individuals, including People With Disabilities (PWDs), in Cross River state received a much-needed N20,000 grant each from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The beneficiaries from states like Lagos, Kogi, Imo, and Akwa Ibom expressed their gratitude, emphasizing how the money will contribute to sustaining their households during this period.
President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating poverty is evident in the ongoing distribution of conditional cash transfers, benefiting 3.5 million households. An additional 4.5 million households are being enrolled and banked across various villages, with a promise of payment within two weeks. Notably, the backlog for NPower Beneficiaries is being addressed, with almost 400,000 beneficiaries receiving one month’s payment during this festive season.
To further ease the financial burden on citizens, President Tinubu announced a 50% reduction in road, rail, and air transport costs for the Christmas period. Grants for Very Poor and Vulnerable groups have been disbursed in states like Kogi, Cross River, Lagos, Imo, and Akwa Ibom, spreading the joyous impact across the nation.
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, emphasized that these grants are a deliberate effort by the federal government to pull people out of poverty. She urged beneficiaries to invest the funds in profitable economic ventures, aligning with the government’s goal of fostering sustainability.
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for championing the cause of the poor. The “Grants for the Vulnerable” Program, according to Governor Otu, will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals in the state. He encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the grants wisely.
The joyous atmosphere at the event was palpable, with beneficiaries, including PWDs, dancing and celebrating as they received alerts on their phones. Governor Otu’s wife, Reverend Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, extended gratitude to Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, acknowledging her compassion and dedication to the nation’s well-being.
President Tinubu’s unprecedented Christmas packages and the launch of the Renewed Hope Grants have brought immense joy to Nigerians, especially those in Cross River state. The tangible impact of these initiatives reflects a commitment to uplifting the vulnerable and creating a positive change in the lives of citizens across the nation.