In a significant development for Edo State, the second phase of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cash Transfer (RHCT) program is poised to benefit 102,650 individuals across 1,969 communities in all 18 local government areas. Announced by Ms. Yuwa Aladeselu, the General Manager of the Social Investment Programme (SIP) in the state, this initiative, implemented under the National Social Safety Nets Project Scale-Up (NASSP-SU), aims to provide crucial support to the poor and vulnerable.
Highlighting Governor Godwin Obaseki’s commitment to impactful intervention programs, Aladeselu emphasized the success of the first phase, where over 12,108 beneficiaries were enrolled and paid in 2022. With a social register boasting over 1.6 million individuals, Edo State has captured approximately 314,000 households, including those with disabilities, in its registry.
Flora Bossey, Head of Unit, Edo State Cash Transfer, explained that the program aligns with the federal government’s vision to support over 15 million impoverished and vulnerable Nigerians under the Expanded National Social Safety Nets Programme Scale-Up. This comprehensive initiative covers Economic Shock Response Cash Transfers in urban areas and Extended Regular Cash Transfers in rural regions nationwide.
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The ongoing program specifically addresses existing cash transfer beneficiaries who have not yet received 12 cycles of payment, aiming to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal. Mohammed Adams, Enrolment Officer at the National Cash Transfer Office, emphasized the crucial nature of the training for facilitators in accurately capturing the biodata of the 101,404 registered persons.
The payment delivery mechanism ensures that funds are directly deposited into the beneficiaries’ accounts and wallets at the designated time, promoting significant financial inclusion. Adams stressed the importance of this intervention in providing support to those who are most in need during challenging times.
As the second phase of the RHCT program unfolds in Edo State, it underscores the collaborative efforts between federal and state authorities to extend crucial financial support to vulnerable populations, aligning with broader national objectives.
