The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing poverty and improving livelihoods across Nigeria as over 278,000 households in Imo State benefited from the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme (HOPE-CT).
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The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement with beneficiaries of the HOPE-CT Programme in Imo State on Wednesday.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has so far disbursed ₦6.635 billion to vulnerable households across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state under the social intervention programme.
Dr. Doro said the intervention forms part of the government’s broader strategy to build a system that restores dignity, creates opportunities, strengthens resilience, and provides sustainable pathways out of poverty for vulnerable Nigerians.
He stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to supporting Nigerians facing economic hardship while also creating opportunities for sustainable economic participation.
“The figures represent far more than numbers. They represent families supported during difficult times, women empowered to improve household livelihoods, young people pursuing economic opportunities, children whose educational needs have been met, and vulnerable citizens who have been allowed to rebuild hope and improve their economic circumstances,” the minister said.
He explained that 278,727 households have benefited from the HOPE-CT Programme in Imo State alone, describing the initiative as one of the government’s key poverty reduction and social protection programmes.
Dr. Doro also commended Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for supporting programmes targeted at vulnerable residents through economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and social investment initiatives.
The minister noted that the engagement with beneficiaries was aimed at assessing the real impact of the intervention beyond official records and statistics.
“This engagement is not about reviewing figures alone. It is about understanding the impact behind those figures. It is about hearing the stories behind the statistics and ensuring that every intervention implemented by government delivers meaningful outcomes,” he stated.
He further revealed that the Federal Government is working towards building what he described as a “One Humanitarian – One Poverty Response System” aimed at creating a coordinated framework for poverty alleviation programmes across the country.
According to him, the goal is to move beyond fragmented interventions by ensuring that government programmes complement one another while helping beneficiaries move from vulnerability to self-reliance.
“Our goal is not merely to provide assistance but to create opportunities that enable individuals and households to progressively move out of poverty,” he added.
Also speaking during the event, the Imo State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Chief Kenneth Okafor, praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Okafor said the HOPE-CT Programme has brought relief and renewed confidence to many families in the state, especially vulnerable households struggling with economic challenges.
He confirmed that the state government successfully implemented the disbursement process across all the 27 LGAs in Imo State.
“This remarkable intervention has positively impacted thousands of families by supporting small businesses, improving household welfare, strengthening food security, assisting educational needs, and stimulating economic activities at the grassroots level,” he said.
The commissioner also warned beneficiaries against fraud and exploitation during the programme.
“This programme is designed for your benefit and empowerment. No one should demand money from you in exchange for participation or access to benefits under this programme. Beneficiaries should report any form of exploitation, misinformation, or fraudulent activity through the appropriate channels,” Okafor warned.
He described the HOPE-CT Programme as more than just a financial intervention, noting that it represents compassion, responsive governance, and national solidarity aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
The HOPE-CT Programme is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen social investment programmes and reduce poverty across communities through direct support to vulnerable households.
