As part of efforts to alleviate hardships and poverty in the country, the federal government led by Bola Tinubu has started providing a payment of N20,000 to vulnerable Nigerians in Cross River State.
The process was inaugurated by Dr Betta Edu, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in Calabar on Monday, December 25.
The minister expressed the president’s determination to significantly reduce poverty. She also mentioned that President Tinubu is collaborating closely with the Cross River Government and other state governors to achieve this goal.
The Federal Government has implemented various initiatives, such as Farmer Money, Trader Money, and Conditional Cash Transfer, benefiting a total of 3.5 million Nigerians.
“We also have the End Hunger Programme that will be launched in January, l and the Skill Acquisition Programme, among others; all I ask for at the state level, is for the state to key fully to the centre.”
She urged Cross River locals to support the state’s governor in order for him to effectively continue from where the previous government in the state left off.
Cross River Governor Bassey Otu praised the idea, saying it will help eliminate poverty among the disadvantaged.
Otu, on the other hand, stated that the president needs everyone’s help to complete the job of lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.
He emphasized his administration’s willingness to support the project as well as engage with other Federal Government poverty-reduction programs.
While adding that some people had already been getting payment alerts, he praised the breakthrough as opportune, especially given the upcoming Christmas holiday.
The governor promised a brighter future for the country and the state in particular.
“With the way the government speaks to the economics of the nation, it means the future of the nation is secured,” he said.
“For Cross River, we are looking into all key sectors, including agriculture, security, and tourism. In no distant time, the state will be a toast of all the other states in the nation.”
The governor stated that his government would not separate the physically handicapped since a panel had been formed to address their concerns.
Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, the Governor’s wife, said the project will have a huge influence on the lives of countless people in the state.
She urged recipients to put the money to good use.
