The Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government (FG), has commenced the distribution of over 35,000 ₦70,000 cash-backed credit cards to vulnerable households under the Social Investment Programme, in a move aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening livelihoods at the grassroots.
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The exercise was officially flagged off on Tuesday at the Women Development Centre in Abakaliki by the Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Chief Mrs. Ann Aligwe, who also serves as the State Focal Person for the programme.
Aligwe said the intervention is being implemented in partnership with the FG under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with support from Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. She noted that the programme is structured to reach 35,000 beneficiaries across the state’s 13 local government areas through a phased and coordinated rollout.
“Today, we are commencing with Afikpo Local Government Area, where not less than 4,500 beneficiaries are expected to receive their cards over a two-day period. The exercise is designed to run local government by local government and ward by ward to ensure that every verified beneficiary receives their entitlement,” she said.
According to her, each beneficiary is entitled to financial support spread across three payment cycles, with disbursements already underway. She clarified that while some beneficiaries have received the full amount, others are still within the payment process.
“Some beneficiaries have already been credited with the full three cycles and will receive nothing less than ₦70,000, while others are on two cycles. However, before the end of the programme, all beneficiaries will receive the complete three cycles,” Aligwe stated.
She emphasised that strict verification measures have been introduced to ensure transparency and eliminate duplication, stressing that beneficiaries must present valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) details before card issuance.
“In Ebonyi State, we have cases of similar names, so the NIN and BVN serve as unique identifiers to ensure that only the rightful beneficiaries receive the cards,” she explained.
Aligwe added that officials from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs are present at distribution centres with activation devices to authenticate beneficiaries in real time, ensuring efficiency and accountability throughout the process.
She further disclosed that once activated, beneficiaries can immediately access their funds through any Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, making the intervention both practical and accessible.
The distribution exercise, which began on April 28, is expected to continue until May 24, 2026, allowing adequate time to cover all local government areas and ensure no verified beneficiary is left out.
Commending both the state and federal governments, Aligwe described the initiative as part of a broader commitment to social welfare under the administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs” and Renewed Hope policy framework. She also acknowledged the support of the First Lady of Ebonyi State and the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, in driving the programme.
Providing further operational details, the Team Lead from Abuja, Michael Oluwasegun, said the process has so far been seamless.
“The process is not difficult. We are experienced in this and are here to assist all beneficiaries. Within five to ten minutes after activation, beneficiaries can access their funds seamlessly,” he said, noting that no major challenges had been recorded.
Some beneficiaries, including Precious Otu and Chinwe Ekuma, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely support amid current economic realities.
They commended both the FG and Ebonyi State Government, noting that the intervention would go a long way in supporting their households and small-scale economic activities.
The Social Investment Programme is part of ongoing FG efforts to alleviate poverty, enhance financial inclusion, and stimulate economic activity among vulnerable Nigerians, particularly within underserved communities.
