Aiyedatiwa flags off second phase of FG’s ₦1.2 Billion Conditional Cash Transfer in Ondo

The Governor Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment, as Ondo State commences the second phase of the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer programme.

The initiative, which forms part of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), was launched at a ceremony held at the Akure South Local Government Secretariat on Friday.

The programme, implemented in partnership with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), aims to provide financial support to vulnerable residents across the state. A total of 16,255 beneficiaries drawn from all 18 Local Government Areas will each receive ₦75,000 in monthly instalments of ₦25,000 over three months. The disbursement will be facilitated through personalised Renewed Hope Debit Cards.

The total sum injected into this phase of the programme stands at ₦1,219,125,000 which offers direct economic assistance to thousands of households. This is a significant scale-up from the earlier phase launched in November 2024, during which 8,637 debit cards were distributed, amounting to ₦647,775,000.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the initiative serves as a timely intervention to ease the financial strain on vulnerable households. He emphasised the ongoing efforts to expand the state’s social register to ensure that more citizens in need are captured. He underscored the government’s resolve that no household deserving of support will be excluded.

The Governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for sustaining the programme and placing priority on the well-being of ordinary Nigerians. He encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the funds prudently to support their families and livelihoods.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment, Alonge Felix Kolawole, highlighted the transparency and inclusivity of the selection process, noting that beneficiaries were identified through Community-Based Targeting Enumeration without political bias. He stated that the initiative aligns with the Governor’s “Our Ease” agenda, particularly benefiting women and persons with disabilities.

The State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), James Adekunle, commended the government for its swift adoption and execution of the Renewed Hope agenda, describing Ondo State as one of the most proactive states in implementing national poverty alleviation initiatives.

Also present at the event, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon Gbenga Fasua, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, lauded the Governor’s leadership and his alignment with national development goals. They both expressed confidence in the administration’s capacity to drive transformative programmes for the benefit of the people.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Mr Gbayisemore Orioye, acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in making Ondo State one of the earliest adopters of the current phase of the programme in the country.

The event was attended by top government officials including the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Hon Stephen Abitogun, representing Akure South Constituency I in the House of Assembly; traditional rulers; LCDA Chairmen; political leaders; and other stakeholders.