By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government has commenced the distribution of more than 23,000 loaded debit cards to beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Household Uplifting Programme, popularly known as the Household Prosperity and Empowerment – Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) initiative.
The programme is aimed at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable households and providing financial support to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution exercise in Odeda Local Government Area, the State Programme Manager of the State Cash Transfer Unit, Mr. Damilola Owoojuona, said the exercise would be carried out across all 20 local government areas of the state.
He explained that the beneficiaries were selected from the National Social Register and would receive direct financial assistance through the programme.
According to Owoojuona, each beneficiary household will receive a total grant of ₦75,000, to be paid in three instalments of ₦25,000 each.
He noted that the state government would continue to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the support in a transparent and accountable manner through National Identification Number (NIN)-based biometric verification.
“The distribution of the additional 23,000 debit cards follows earlier phases of the HoPE-CT programme in Ogun State. In Odeda Local Government Area alone, 1,281 debit cards are being distributed, demonstrating government’s commitment to ensuring that more vulnerable households benefit from the initiative,” he said.
Owoojuona advised beneficiaries to keep their debit cards safe and adhere strictly to the programme’s guidelines to ensure seamless access to the funds.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Lukmon Sofela, Mrs. Ojedeyi Serifat and Mrs. Olabode Elizabeth expressed gratitude to the Federal and Ogun State governments for the intervention.
They pledged to make prudent use of the financial support to improve the welfare of their households.