FIC Report (Imo State) – The Federal Government has disbursed over N6.6 billion to vulnerable households in Imo State under the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme (HoPE-CT), as part of ongoing efforts to reduce poverty, promote economic inclusion, and improve the living standards of citizens.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement and interaction with beneficiaries of the programme in Owerri, Imo State.
Dr. Doro revealed that more than 278,000 beneficiaries drawn from the 27 Local Government Areas of the state have so far benefited from the intervention, describing the programme as a critical component of the Federal Government’s social protection and poverty reduction strategy.
He explained that the N6.6 billion intervention was disbursed through the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme, which provides N75,000 to verified beneficiaries in three tranches.
According to the Minister, the funds are paid directly to verified beneficiaries selected from the National Social Register and linked to their National Identification Numbers (NIN), thereby ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective targeting of vulnerable households.
Dr. Doro expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating and sustaining programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians, noting that the intervention has provided critical support to low-income households while creating opportunities for sustainable economic participation.
He stated that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, which places priority on poverty alleviation, social inclusion, and the empowerment of disadvantaged groups across the country.
During a courtesy visit to the Government House, Owerri, the Minister commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across the state, particularly in infrastructure development, social services, and youth empowerment.
He also appreciated the Imo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in implementing various social intervention programmes.
Dr. Doro further disclosed plans to partner with the state government on the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme, with a view to leveraging the Imo Digital City Hub to expand opportunities for skills development, innovation, and economic empowerment.
Responding, Governor Hope Uzodimma described the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction as a strategic partner in the state’s efforts to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of vulnerable citizens.
The Governor noted that his administration had aligned its social protection programmes with federal policies and developed a credible social register that has attracted the confidence of development partners, including the World Bank.
He welcomed the transition from physical cash disbursement to direct bank account payments, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening transparency, efficiency, and accountability in programme implementation.
Governor Uzodimma also highlighted the state’s achievements in youth empowerment through digital technology, revealing that over 65,000 young people have been trained in various digital and technology-driven skills.
According to him, the state’s growing digital ecosystem is creating employment opportunities, reducing youth unemployment, and contributing to improved security by providing productive engagement for young people.
The Governor further disclosed that the Imo Digital City, being operated through a public-private partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, has attracted support and collaboration from international development organisations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that have enhanced state revenues and strengthened the capacity of sub-national governments to undertake impactful development projects.
Some beneficiaries of the programme who attended the event expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as life-changing.
Mrs. Chioma Nkwerre from Owerri North Local Government Area said the support enabled her to revive her petty trading business and better cater for her family.
Similarly, Mr. Emeka Ibe from Okigwe stated that he invested part of the funds in agricultural activities, which has improved his income and strengthened his household’s economic stability.
The stakeholders’ engagement provided an opportunity for beneficiaries, government officials, and community leaders to assess the impact of the programme and discuss strategies for enhancing its sustainability and effectiveness.
The Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme remains one of the Federal Government’s flagship social intervention initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, promoting economic resilience, and improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians across the country.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO/ANIPR
4/6/2026
