馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Over 460,000 households benefit from cash transfer in Kwara State
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
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.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC and supporters of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed confidence in stronger electoral performance across northern Nigeria in the 2027 election. This optimism comes despite criticism from figures like former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who predict Obi would struggle in the North. Leaders of the Obidient Movement and the NDC stated that the political landscape has shifted, and they are strengthening grassroots structures and developing new engagement strategies. Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, dismissed critics as politically irrelevant, asserting that northern voters would prioritize economic and security issues over ethnic or religious sentiments. He emphasized that the masses would vote based on their choice and that the "mistake of 2023 cannot be repeated." The party plans to unveil its northern mobilization strategy and intensify engagements with various groups. Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, indicated that the movement identified shortcomings from the 2023 election and is expanding its reach in the North through grassroots mobilization and engagement with traditional rulers. He dismissed concerns from elder statesmen, stating the movement focuses on empowering ordinary Nigerians. Hamzat Idayat, Kwara State Woman Leader of the NDC, added that the p
Must ReadRwang Tengwong, a resident of Kum and National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, described recent attacks in Plateau State where gunmen simultaneously invaded Kum and Wereng-Camp communities. He reported that nine members of one family were killed in Kum, including a three-month-old baby, her parents, and her 21-year-old father and 19-year-old mother. Only one family member survived with life-threatening injuries. Tengwong stated that such attacks, where entire families are wiped out, are not new to the Plateau, noting he has witnessed over five families completely eradicated since 2009. He highlighted that attackers often target vulnerable homes and that after killings, the original inhabitants flee, and new occupants, identified as Fulani, take over the communities, which then become inaccessible to the displaced. Tengwong criticized the lack of arrests by conventional security forces and questioned the effectiveness of security checkpoints near the attack sites. He also pointed out that vigilantes are underequipped compared to the sophisticated weapons used by attackers. He further mentioned that while security forces quickly respond to reports of cattle rustling by Fulani, they have not made efforts to arrest those responsible for killing locals. Tengwong suggested that the Nigerian government has mischaracterized these incidents as farmer-herder clashes, despite the use of bombs and the systematic wiping out of families, and called for proper i
Must ReadThe Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and residents of Kaiama Local Government Area have expressed concern over the delayed rescue of 176 women and children abducted during a February attack on the Woro community. Nearly six months after the incident, they accuse the federal and Kwara state governments of failing to secure the victims' release. Hundreds of residents staged a peaceful protest in Kaiama town, demanding action from President Bola Tinubu, the state government, and security agencies. The Village Head of Woro, Umar Salihu, stated that families are enduring hardship and emotional trauma, appealing to both governments to intensify rescue efforts. M. Z. Shero, leader of Concerned Citizens of Kaiama Local Government Area, highlighted that the victims have been in captivity for 171 days. Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, warned against the tragedy becoming another prolonged national security crisis. The PDP, in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary Olusegun Adewara, described the protest as a vote of no confidence in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's handling of security challenges, alleging his silence and absence have created a leadership vacuum.