FG targets grassroots impact as 780,408 Ondo residents benefit from cash transfer scheme
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection delivery across Nigeria, as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, led a high-level delegation to Ondo State for the HoPE-CT Beneficiary Engagement under the National Social Safety Nets Project – Scale Up (NASSP-SU).
Delivering his keynote address, the minister emphasised the need for government interventions to go beyond policy formulation to real impact at the grassroots.
“It is not enough to design policies from afar; we must come to the communities, listen to the people, and ensure that what we are doing is truly making a difference in their lives,” he said.
He further stressed that the ministry is working towards a more coordinated and impactful system, adding that “our goal is to move from fragmented support to a more structured approach that creates real pathways out of poverty and restores dignity to households.”
The minister disclosed that under the HoPE-CT Programme in Ondo State, 173,424 beneficiaries were supported in the first tranche, 110,446 in the second tranche, and 107,704 in the third tranche, representing a total of 780,408 individuals impacted across the state when household size is considered.
He explained that the variation in figures reflects the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) validation process in the National Social Register.
The minister also reiterated that the programme is entirely free and warned against extortion, urging beneficiaries to report irregularities through designated channels.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, said direct engagement with beneficiaries enhances transparency and programme effectiveness.
Similarly, the Ondo State Permanent Secretary, Yemi Perisola, described the programme as transformative, noting that it restores confidence in governance and supports vulnerable households.
The engagement featured an interactive session where beneficiaries shared their experiences, challenges, and impact of the programme on their livelihoods.
The session, conducted with support from community leaders and interpreters, ensured inclusiveness and strengthened trust between government and citizens.
Participants described the engagement as impactful and timely.
The event had in attendance top government officials, including Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by Princess Kikelomo Ikuomola, alongside traditional rulers and stakeholders.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
🚨BREAKING: Watch The Video Clip Here ➤
