Governor Nwifuru flags off another batch of CCT empowerment scheme in Ebonyi

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has commenced a large-scale disbursement of the Conditional Cash Transfer, (CCT) programme, benefiting over 17,000 residents across thirteen Local Government Areas of the state.

Performing the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, governor Nwifuru said that beneficiaries were to receive three payment cycles totaling N72,000 through preloaded debit cards under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative and added that the renewed drive is targeted to cushion the economic hardship on vulnerable households in the State.

Speaking during the flag-off, the Ebonyi state governor, Francis Nwifuru represented at the event by the state Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs Ann Aligwe emphasized that the CCT is a direct response to the governor’s “People’s Charter of Needs” blueprint that places the welfare of Ebonyians, especially the poor and vulnerable, at the core of his administration. “We started with 5,000 and 10,000 Naira stipends in the past, but the economic situation made us realize it wasn’t enough. Today, each beneficiary is receiving N72,000 to make a real impact on their livelihood. This is more than a gesture — it's a strategy for sustainable empowerment,” Aligwe said. According to the commissioner, 12,000 beneficiaries received payment in May, while another 5,000-plus are currently being paid, with more awaiting the next batch in the coming month. She said, the total number of those captured on Ebonyi’s CCT register stands at over 223,000 residents, with selection having begun since the COVID-19 pandemic era through community-based enumeration. The Commissioner clarified that beneficiaries are drawn from rural and underserved communities, carefully documented between 2020 and 2021, despite early skepticism by locals during the data-gathering stage. Also speaking, Mrs. Nnenna Icha, State Program Manager of the CCT initiative, described the day as historic for Ebonyi, noting that the state has never witnessed such a significant inclusion in a federal social protection scheme. “Ebonyi has always been sidelined in the past, but today, through the vision of our governor and the support of President Bola Tinubu, the state is at the forefront of national empowerment efforts. This is commendable,” Icha stated. Mrs Icha reiterated the governor’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots by collaborating closely with federal authorities. “This is not just about cash. It's about dignity, economic inclusion, and the right to decent living. The governor is passionate about making sure our people are empowered to fend for their families,” she said. She warned payment facilitators against leaving any area until all beneficiaries receive their full entitlement, reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability In her remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Anamelechi Nwalem, the CCT facilitator for Ebonyi Local Government Area, called for the sustainability of the program, citing its far-reaching implications for the local and national economy. She highlighted how the funds would stimulate small-scale businesses, increase household income, and reduce dependency in rural communities. In an interview, beneficiaries including Mrs Chukwu Chukwu and others shared stories of hope and gratitude and described the initiative as life-saving while promising to judiciously used the money.