Akwa Ibom State has emerged as the highest beneficiary of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HOPE-CT) Programme in the South-South region, following increased enrolment and disbursement under the National Social Safety Nets Programme.
Beneficiaries in the state have also expressed renewed optimism after a stakeholder engagement visit by the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro.
The engagement, held on Friday at Community Primary School, Ediene Ikot Obio Imo in Uyo Local Government Area, brought together beneficiaries, government officials and other stakeholders to review the progress of the programme.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the Minister’s visit as a clear indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
She explained that the HOPE-CT initiative provides direct financial support to low-income households, enabling them to meet basic needs and stabilise their livelihoods.
“The programme is already yielding measurable results across the state. Beneficiaries are reporting improved living conditions and a stronger capacity to sustain small-scale businesses,” she said.
Ibanga commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that ongoing social investment policies were gradually restoring confidence among vulnerable populations.
She added that the state government, under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, remained aligned with federal programmes aimed at social welfare, economic empowerment and inclusive development.
According to her, complementary interventions introduced by the state include support for micro and small enterprises, welfare schemes for the elderly and persons with disabilities, youth empowerment initiatives and food security programmes.
She further praised the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), stating that it had improved transparency and efficiency in programme delivery.
Earlier, the Minister, Dr Doro, said his visit was intended to engage beneficiaries directly and obtain firsthand feedback on the implementation of the scheme.
He described the outcome of the visit as encouraging and commended the state government’s commitment to social protection.
“My experience here has been very positive. The level of investment in social protection by the Akwa Ibom State Government is commendable and can serve as a model for others,” he said.
Doro noted that the engagement was designed to deepen accountability and promote transparency through direct interaction with beneficiaries.
Also speaking, the State Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme, Dr Godwin Akpan, disclosed that no fewer than 751,150 households had benefited from the scheme between 2024 and date.
He added that over ₦18bn had been injected into the state’s economy through the Conditional Cash Transfer component of the programme.
“Akwa Ibom currently has the highest number of beneficiaries in the South-South region under the HOPE-CT Programme,” Akpan said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Etukudo, and the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Asuakak Umoh, who spoke on behalf of council chairmen.
The Village Head, Chief Ekpongntak Udobong, also commended the initiative, noting that it had positively impacted households at the grassroots.
The highlight of the event was an interactive question-and-answer session between the Minister and beneficiaries, who shared their experiences and concerns.
Earlier in the day, the Minister paid a courtesy visit where he was received by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, on behalf of Governor Umo Eno.
Dignitaries present at the event included the National Coordinator of NSIPA, Prof Badamasi Lawal; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Nsikan Nkan; Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt Hon Alice Ekpenyong; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Eno Akpan; and other stakeholders.
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