Akwa Ibom State government has applauded President Bola Tinubu for supporting vulnerable citizens through the federal government’s Social Safety Net Programme.
During the ongoing debit card distribution ceremony in Ika local government area, the commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the initiative as a significant intervention aimed at improving livelihoods down the grassroots.
“Humanity is the focus of this administration, and we deeply appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating this direct medium to reach our people at the grassroots.
“Under this current tranche, a total of 56,402 beneficiaries drawn from the National Social Register across all 31 LGAS are receiving preloaded debit cards loaded with N25,000 monthly for three months, amounting to N75,000.
“Whether it serves as startup capital or support for an existing small business, this intervention will go a long way in transforming lives in our communities,” she said.
The Commissioner noted that the Federal Government’s intervention complements the humanitarian programmes already being implemented by Governor Umo Eno.
“Governor Umo Eno, has provided a conducive environment for these federal programmes to thrive alongside our State initiatives.
“To date, the State’s food security and palliative programme has reached over 650,000 households through free food distribution and other humanitarian interventions. Even as the federal disbursement team continues its tour of the local government areas, I am pleased to announce that another round of State-sponsored palliative distribution will commence immediately,” she said.
Ibanga disclosed that the State Government was set to support women’s cooperatives across the 31 LGAs as part of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and grassroots development.
She added that by aligning the Federal Government’s debit card initiative with the State’s humanitarian programmes and the forthcoming support for women’s cooperatives, “Akwa Ibom is strengthening its social protection framework to ensure vulnerable citizens receive both financial support to improve their livelihoods and humanitarian assistance to sustain their households.”
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, appreciated President Bola Tinubu, for extending the Social Safety Net intervention to 1,682 beneficiaries in the local government.
