Sani Wilson Enemona
The Federal Government has began the disbursement of a monthly stipend of N5,000 under the Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT in Sokoto State.
The humanitarian minister, who was represented by the National Project Accountant, Jafar Ibrahim-Yabo, flagged off the disbursement in the Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto state.
Mr Ibrahim-Yabo disclosed that no fewer than 3,165 beneficiaries from six local government areas would obtain the payment in the present circle of disbursement.
He further stated that in the next circle, at least 75,000 beneficiaries will be targeted.
Mr Ibrahim-Yabo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing peoples’ lives through valuable programmes and urged beneficiaries to be patient if there are delays in the disbursements.
He also stated that the present scheme is Household Uplifting Programme (HUP), introduced by the federal government in 2016, to fortify the social safety net.
He explained that the programme is aimed at helping the poor exit poverty, prevent the poor and the vulnerable from sinking further into poverty and build resilience to withstand shock and risks.
He added that the gesture would surely continue to improve household consumption and enhance the economy of the affected communities, among other benefits.
The Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto on Social investment, Hayatu Tafida, charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.
The Head of Sokoto State Cash Transfer Unit, Abubakar Binanchi, highlighted the successes recorded so far and urged the beneficiaries to maintain the culture of saving.
Some of the beneficiaries, Altine Hassan, Mardiyya Bello and Hassana Isiyaku commended the federal governments for the gesture.
The beneficiaries said that the money would go a long way in boosting their respective small-scale businesses and enhance their living standards.
They urged the federal government to ensure that the payment remains constant to lift the beneficiaries out of poverty as targeted.