Beneficiaries of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme (HOPE-CT) in Akwa Ibom State have commended the Federal Government for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention aimed at cushioning harsh economic conditions.
They also made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the sustainability of the programme, as well as an increase in the 25,000 Naira cash transfer.
These formed part of their requests during a stakeholders’ engagement and interaction with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, held in Uyo, the state capital, over the weekend.
Speaking at the interactive session, one of the beneficiaries, Abel Enang, noted that the stipend has had a positive impact on vulnerable households, particularly in helping them establish small-scale businesses. He stressed that sustaining the programme would enable more poor families to benefit.
Enang disclosed that he had received a total of 75,000 naira from three tranches, which he invested in vegetable farming, adding that an increase in the amount would allow beneficiaries to expand their ventures.
Other beneficiaries who spoke also emphasized that sustaining the programme would create opportunities to capture more vulnerable households across the region.
In his response, the Minister, Dr. Bernard Doro, stated that the purpose of his visit was to personally engage with beneficiaries of the HOPE-CT programme and obtain firsthand feedback on interventions already delivered. He explained that the government must assess whether the support is reaching the intended households and improving livelihoods.
He added that the ministry is working towards a “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System,” where interventions are coordinated, transparent, and effective.
Dr. Doro commended the beneficiaries for their sincerity, noting that their feedback would help guide future policy decisions and strengthen programme delivery nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Minister revealed that the Federal Government has so far disbursed 60 billion to the South-South region under the programme. He added that Akwa Ibom State received 18.7 billion the highest in the region—benefiting about 751,000 households.
Doro further noted that since assuming office, he has been guided by the conviction that interventions “must not only be designed in offices but must be validated in communities and experienced by the people.”
Earlier, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, thanked the Minister for undertaking the tour personally rather than delegating it. She said this “demonstrates a deep commitment and genuine passion for matters concerning the vulnerable and underserved.”
She also noted that the Federal Government’s HOPE-CT programme aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly in caring for the vulnerable and the elderly.
Describing the Conditional Cash Transfer as a strategic social investment tool, she said it is designed to lift the poorest households out of extreme poverty by providing direct financial support and stimulating local economies through small business support.
