Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment by collaborating closely with the Federal Government to support vulnerable citizens across the state.
Speaking at the Akure South Local Government Secretariat during the official flag-off of the second phase of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, Governor Aiyedatiwa launched the distribution of the Renewed Hope Debit Cards to thousands of selected beneficiaries under the Federal Government’s National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
The initiative, executed through the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) in partnership with the Ondo State Government, is aimed at reducing poverty and boosting economic resilience among the poorest households.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of the initiative, describing it as a fulfillment of the “Renewed Hope” promise and a strategic step toward improving lives across the state.
He announced that a total of 16,255 beneficiaries from all 18 local government areas will receive ₦75,000 each—disbursed in three monthly installments of ₦25,000—through their personalised debit cards.
The total funding allocated for this phase stands at ₦1,219,125,000.
He also recalled that in November 2024, 8,637 debit cards were distributed to beneficiaries in an earlier phase of the scheme, which amounted to ₦647,775,000.
He described the current rollout as a significant expansion of the state’s social safety net.
“We recognize the difficult economic times our people are facing, and this programme shows that the government stands with them,” the Governor said, while also assuring that the state’s social register is being expanded to reach even more vulnerable households.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development for sustaining the intervention.
He also encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to improve their family welfare and support small-scale ventures.
Earlier, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, Mr. Alonge Felix Kolawole, highlighted the transparency of the programme, noting that beneficiaries were selected through Community-Based Targeting Enumeration, with no room for favoritism or political bias.
He described the initiative as part of the Governor’s “Our Ease” agenda, especially focused on aiding women and persons with disabilities.
State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. James Adekunle, commended Ondo State for fully embracing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, while also praising the Governor for his proactive leadership in implementing federal programmes.
The Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, also lauded the initiative, calling the Governor a divinely appointed leader whose policies have positively impacted lives.
In his remarks, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, applauded the Governor for aligning with the Federal Government’s development vision and for delivering on the people’s expectations.
During the vote of thanks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Gbayisemore Orioye, noted that Ondo State has become the third state nationwide to commence implementation of this phase of the scheme, thanks to the Governor’s strong support.
One of the beneficiaries, Falaye Emmanuel, expressed deep gratitude to the government, describing the cash transfer as timely and a much-needed relief for his family.
