In a surprising turn of events, Edo State is gearing up to distribute a significant sum of N25,000 in cash to over 100,000 individuals. The second phase of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cash Transfer program is set to roll out in the state, targeting residents across 1,969 communities spanning all 18 local government areas. Ms. Yuwa Aladeselu, the General Manager of the Social Investment Programme (SIP) in Edo, announced this initiative, emphasizing its vital role in supporting the poor and vulnerable. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s commitment to impactful intervention programs takes center stage, with Aladeselu highlighting the success of the first phase, where over 12,108 beneficiaries were enrolled and paid in 2022.
Flora Bossey, the Head of Unit for Edo State Cash Transfer, shed light on the program’s alignment with the federal government’s broader vision. The initiative aims to support over 15 million impoverished and vulnerable Nigerians under the Expanded National Social Safety Nets Programme Scale-Up. This comprehensive endeavor includes Economic Shock Response Cash Transfers in urban areas and Extended Regular Cash Transfers in rural regions nationwide. The program operates within the framework of the National Social Safety Nets Project Scale-Up (NASSP-SU), demonstrating a concerted effort to address economic vulnerabilities across the country.
As Edo State unfolds this massive cash transfer initiative, it leaves many residents and onlookers intrigued and puzzled. With a social register capturing around 1.6 million individuals and approximately 314,000 households, the program appears poised to make a substantial impact. Yet, questions linger about the selection criteria, the frequency of disbursements, and the overarching goals of this unprecedented cash infusion into the hands of Edo’s residents. As the confusion swirls, the state anticipates both the tangible benefits and the challenges that may accompany this bold move towards poverty alleviation.
