
The Federal Government and Kwara State Government are intensifying social protection efforts, with over 460,000 households benefiting from the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme. This was announced during a visit by Dr. Bernard M. Doro, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to Ilorin. The engagement brought together federal and state officials, development partners, and beneficiaries from across the state's 16 local government areas. Dr. Doro commended Kwara State for its strong implementation and commitment, calling the program a critical pillar in Nigeria's poverty reduction strategy and a model for federal-state collaboration. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and data-driven targeting to reach vulnerable households and urged beneficiaries to use funds judiciously. The Minister assured continued federal commitment to scaling humanitarian interventions. Mariam Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, highlighted the program's alignment with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's vision for social inclusion, particularly for orphans, vulnerable children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. She noted that the HOPE-CT program has reached over 183,000 households in the first phase, 139,000 in the second, and 141,000 in the third. Bolanle Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, stated that over 463,000 households are expected to benefit. Dr. AbdulWasiu Tejidini, Acting General Manager of KWASSIP, noted Kwa
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadA coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, trade unions, youth groups, and other associations has announced nationwide protests and mass action for June 12. The groups, including the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, and the #EndBadGovernance Movement, are protesting worsening insecurity, escalating economic hardship, and deteriorating living conditions for millions of Nigerians. They aim to demand the immediate release of Nigerians held captive in various states, highlighting that there is nothing to celebrate on June 12 due to ongoing fear of attacks from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. The coalition stated that government responses to insecurity have been largely inadequate, with communities attacked, schools threatened, and highways unsafe. They also criticized the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, such as fuel subsidy removal, repeated fuel price increases, currency devaluation, and rising electricity tariffs, which they say have pushed millions into deeper poverty despite increased government allocations. The coalition urged Nigerians to join the protests to compel the government to address insecurity and reverse what they describe as anti-poor economic policies.

The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC has advised beneficiaries of its 2026/2027 Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme to prioritize academic excellence, uphold good character, and avoid social vices, especially drug abuse, during their studies abroad. NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, addressed 200 scholarship awardees at a pre-departure briefing in Port Harcourt, urging them to be exemplary ambassadors for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria. He emphasized that the scholarship offers a unique chance to acquire knowledge and skills vital for regional development. Ogbuku noted that previous beneficiaries achieved academic distinction, with over 30 students earning distinctions in the last academic session. He assured prompt payment of scholarship allowances but warned that poor conduct or academic performance could lead to scholarship withdrawal. Ogbuku cautioned against drug abuse, highlighting its destructive impact and the need for young leaders with sound minds. Dr. Patience Ezugu, Director of Education, Health and Social Services, described the scheme as an investment in the Niger Delta's future, aimed at human capital development. Mrs. Angela Chukwudifu, Director of Education, advised scholars to secure travel and academic documents. Chief Godson Ideozu, the scholarship consultant, stated that 200 beneficiaries were selected from 2,492 candidates. Miss Aisosa Margaret from Edo State, the top candidate, will study Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the Uni
Must ReadHope Uzodimma, Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, announced that the All Progressives Congress APC has recruited 4,421,150 individuals across Nigeria's 176,846 polling units as part of its mobilization strategy for the 2027 elections. Speaking at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Retreat in Abuja, Uzodimma, who is also the Governor of Imo State, expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu's performance would secure him a second term. He detailed a layered command structure for mobilization, from a national coordinating center down to polling units, and highlighted the RHA's 17 directorates covering various aspects like youth, media, and technology. The RHA also launched a digital platform in April with a Data Communication Centre to track public sentiment and counter misinformation. Uzodimma described the 2027 elections as a referendum on Nigeria's path of reform, stability, and shared prosperity, urging participants to create actionable plans rather than just speeches. He defended the administration's policies, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, as difficult but necessary for Nigeria's economic future, citing a 3.89% GDP growth in Q1 2026 and major infrastructure projects. APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda echoed these sentiments, noting economic gains such as over $50 billion in foreign reserves, a N7.55 trillion trade surplus in Q1 2026, and a fresh $20 billion inve