Akure — Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the Sunshine State has flagged off the disbursement of N1.2 billion to vulnerable residents in Ondo State under the second phase of the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer program.
The launch took place at the Akure South Local Government Secretariat on Friday, where thousands of selected beneficiaries received personalized debit cards, each credited with a total of ₦75,000 to be paid in three monthly installments of ₦25,000.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his government’s focus on improving the living conditions of disadvantaged groups through collaboration with federal authorities. He described the exercise as a step toward easing the economic burden on many households and extending the benefits of the “Renewed Hope” initiative to more people across the state.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that 16,255 beneficiaries, spread across the state’s 18 local councils, will access direct financial assistance, amounting to ₦1,219,125,000 in total. He noted that the first phase of the program carried out in November 2024, saw the distribution of 8,637 debit cards and a total payout of ₦647,775,000.
“We are committed to ensuring that no household in genuine need is left behind,” the governor said, noting that the state’s social register is being expanded to include more eligible families.
He extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for sustaining the intervention while urging beneficiaries to use the funds wisely for the benefit of their families and small-scale ventures.
In his address, Mr. Alonge Felix Kolawole, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, explained that the initiative aligns with the state’s agenda to ease hardship for residents, especially women and persons with disabilities. He highlighted that the selection process was carried out using a community-driven approach to ensure transparency.
Mr. James Adekunle, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency, praised Ondo’s full participation in the national social program, commending the Governor’s leadership in implementing grassroots-focused policies.
The event also featured remarks from the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, who lauded the Governor’s efforts in tackling poverty, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, who acknowledged the Governor’s alignment with national development objectives.
