Beneficiaries of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer (HOPE-CT) Programme in Akwa Ibom State have expressed renewed optimism following a stakeholder engagement visit by the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro.
The interactive session, held on Friday, April 17, at Community Primary School, Ediene Ikot Obio Imo in Uyo Local Government Area, brought together beneficiaries, government officials, and key stakeholders under the National Social Safety Nets Programme.
In her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the Minister’s visit as a strong demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians through targeted social investment programmes.
She noted that the HOPE-CT initiative provides direct financial support to low-income households, helping them meet basic needs while promoting economic stability. According to her, the programme is already delivering measurable impact across the state, with beneficiaries reporting improved living conditions and increased capacity to support small-scale businesses.
Princess Ibanga commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that the administration’s policies are gradually restoring public confidence, particularly among vulnerable groups. She added that Akwa Ibom State continues to align with federal initiatives through Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises social welfare, economic empowerment, and inclusive development.
She further highlighted complementary state interventions, including support for small businesses, welfare programmes for the elderly and persons with disabilities, youth empowerment initiatives, and food security efforts aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. The Commissioner also praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), noting that it has strengthened transparency and efficiency in programme delivery.
Speaking earlier, the Hon. Minister, Dr. Bernard Doro, said the visit was aimed at engaging beneficiaries directly, obtaining firsthand feedback, and assessing the programme’s impact. He described his experience in Akwa Ibom as encouraging and commended Governor Umo Eno for his investments in social protection, describing them as exemplary.
Dr. Doro emphasised that the engagement was designed to deepen accountability, promote transparency through public interaction, and raise awareness of the programme’s achievements.
Also speaking, the State Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Dr. Godwin Akpan, disclosed that between 2024 and date, a total of 751,150 households have benefitted from the scheme, with over ₦18 billion injected into the state’s economy through the Conditional Cash Transfer programme. He added that Akwa Ibom currently records the highest number of beneficiaries in the South-South region under the HOPE-CT Programme.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo; Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, who spoke on behalf of council chairmen; and the Village Head, Chief Ekpongntak Udobong, among others.
The highlight of the event was an interactive question-and-answer session between the Minister and beneficiaries.
Earlier in the day, the Hon. Minister paid a courtesy visit, where he was warmly welcomed and received by the State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, onbehalf of the Governor. The State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs accompanied him.
Dignitaries at the event included the National Coordinator of NSIPA, Prof. Badamasi Lawal; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Nsikan Nkan; Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan; Permanent Secretary, Human Capital Development, Mr. Uduak Isaac; Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo; MD/CEO of ECEWS, Mr. Andy Eyo; Coordinator of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham; State Focal Person for SDGs, Mrs. Ime Ekerette; Programme Manager, HOPE-CT, Mr. Innocent Okure; council chairmen and their vice, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
