The meeting, held in Abeokuta, brought together government officials, Programme Managers, Community Representatives , Local Governments Desk Officers to deliberate on ways to build and maintain productive relationships, assess stakeholder commitment, and ensure sustainability of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, represented by Mr. Jola Oyeneye, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Transformation Office, stressed the importance of ensuring that conditional cash transfers get to the rightful beneficiaries.
“You will recall that nations around the world always find ways to cushion the effects of hardship on their people, especially the downtrodden, and I believe this is the principle behind Cash transfers. Our duty as programme managers is to ensure that this laudable step by the Government is not thwarted by unscrupulous elements,” he said.
He assured that the government of Ogun State under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to transparent implementation of the programme.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Funmi Efuwape, described the initiative as a lifeline for the poor and vulnerable, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation.
“This programme is a way of giving back to the people. It is meant for those at the very bottom who are struggling to feed themselves. However, I think more awareness is needed because some beneficiaries are not even aware of their eligibility. This time, we will involve ward chairmen at the grassroots level to drive the process,” she said.
On her part, the State Programme Manager for Cash Transfer in Ogun State, Mrs. Funmi Baker, said the programme targets 15 million poor and vulnerable households nationwide who are identified from the National Social Register, with beneficiaries selected from the lowest deciles regarded as the “most poor and vulnerable.
“Some people may think the money is too small, but what ₦1,000 means to you is different from what it means to rural dwellers. Initially, the Federal Government gave ₦5,000 monthly to poor and vulnerable households, and we have seen families that start small businesses with it.
“Since 2023, under President Bola Tinubu, the amount has been increased to ₦25,000, to be disbursed three times, making a total of ₦75,000 per household,” she explained.
Meanwhile, one of the participants and a Community Leader from Abeokuta South Local Government, Alhaji Adedamola Fatai, described the programme as well-organized , commended arrangements made to ensure Community Development Associations (CDAs) are captured.
“My advice to beneficiaries is to use the money wisely and for the purpose it is intended. Effective use of the funds will go a long way in improving their livelihood,” he said.
