Jare Olukotun
In a continued effort to alleviate poverty and empower vulnerable households, Imota Local Council Development Area on Tuesday, commenced the distribution of ATM cards to beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme.
The exercise, which continued through Wednesday, according to the council’s Media & Public Engagement Office, forms part of the Federal Government’s broader social intervention strategy aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and improving the living conditions of residents at the grassroots.
The distribution exercise, which took place at the Hon. Babajimi Benson Multipurpose Hall, Imota Council Secretariat, aligns with the national vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme is designed to provide direct financial support to low-income families, enabling them to meet basic needs and improve their standard of living.
The council further said beneficiaries of the scheme were selected through a transparent, community-based verification process to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need. The exercise saw successful applicants receive their ATM cards, granting them access to funds disbursed under the initiative in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The programme targets about 3,000 vulnerable residents across Imota LCDA, drawn from over 7,000 applicants. Each beneficiary is expected to receive ₦25,000 over a specified period, aimed at supporting low-income families, widows, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups. The intervention is intended to enhance household stability, sustain small-scale businesses, and build resilience against prevailing socio-economic challenges.
Officials from the council’s Budget, Planning and Statistics Department, who supervised the exercise, disclosed that payments would be made periodically and credited directly into beneficiaries’ accounts. They noted that the use of ATM cards ensures efficiency, minimises delays, promotes transparency, and eliminates the risks associated with physical cash distribution.
Some beneficiaries, while expressing gratitude to the Federal Government, described the initiative as timely and impactful. They stated that the financial support would assist them in meeting essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education, especially amid current economic realities impactfully.
The beneficiaries also commended the administration of the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, for prioritising inclusive governance and grassroots development. They urged the government to sustain and expand the programme to accommodate more vulnerable individuals within the community.
The distribution exercise is expected to continue across various wards in the council area in the coming days, as council officials reaffirm their commitment to improving the welfare of residents and fostering economic resilience across Imota LCDA.
