By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has reiterated its plan to convert social intervention programmes into sustainable economic opportunities, as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, met beneficiaries of the HoPE Conditional Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) programme in Akwa Ibom State.
The meeting, held in Uyo on Saturday, formed part of efforts to assess programme impact and obtain direct feedback from beneficiaries.
Doro said government interventions must go beyond policy formulation to real-life impact.
“Since I assumed office, I have been guided by a firm conviction that interventions must not only be designed in offices, they must be validated in communities and experienced by real people,” he said.
He disclosed that the Ministry is designing a framework to ensure beneficiaries transition from cash support to self-reliance through skills training, enterprise support, and access to finance.
The Minister added that poverty reduction remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“If we exit millions out of poverty, that will be the basis for economic development,” he stated.
He said Akwa Ibom recorded 276,970 beneficiaries in the first tranche, 240,038 in the second, and 234,142 in the third, noting that the figures vary due to ongoing NIN verification.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, commended the initiative and warned beneficiaries against paying money to access government programmes.
The National Programme Manager of NCTO, Abdullahi Alhassan Imam, urged beneficiaries to provide honest feedback.
Also, the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Asuakak Umoh, praised the Federal Government and pledged support at the local level.
Beneficiaries interacted directly with the Minister, raising concerns on payments and access, in a session officials described as key to improving programme delivery.
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