On Monday, Governor Dauda Lawal inaugurated a cash transfer programme targeting 448,151 beneficiaries across Zamfara.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe LGA.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the programme was part of the myriad of initiatives designed to bring succour to the people. He also stated that the programme aimed to uplift the economic standards of vulnerable households in Zamfara.

Mr Lawal commended the federal government and the National Cash Transfer Office for their effective collaboration towards ensuring the programme’s success.

The governor said that out of the targeted beneficiaries, 279,534 were successfully enrolled, while the remaining beneficiaries would soon be captured under the programme.

“Each of the beneficiaries will receive N75,000,” the governor said.

While calling on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the assistance by investing in businesses, Mr Lawal said, “You should invest for the future of your families, contribute to the local and national economy.

“Let me categorically advise all the beneficiaries that they should not give anybody a Kobo for processing them into this programme.”

The governor also cautioned the programme’s officials against all forms of corruption, assuring that the government would do everything possible to flush out corrupt personnel from it.

In his remarks, the human and relief matters commissioner, Salisu Musa, said the programme was designed to create a pathway towards economic stability, self-sufficiency, and improved well-being of the vulnerable households.

Mr Musa said, “I am pleased to announce that the total number of beneficiaries paid across Zamfara stood at 279,534. A total of 99,321 met the minimum know-your-customer requirement set by the World Bank and CBN.

“Forty-nine thousand two hundred and seventy-one paid using National Identification Number, while 50,050 paid using Bank Verification Number. Eighty thousand two hundred and thirteen are awaiting KYC clearance before debit card issuance.”

Mr Musa urged all the stakeholders, community facilitators, local government officials, security agencies, and the ‘Grievance Redress Officers’ to be diligent to ensure the successful completion of the process.

“Let us ensure that every beneficiary receives the full benefits of this programme without any obstacles,” he urged.

On his part, the commissioner for budget and planning, Abdulmalik Gajam, said all the names of the beneficiaries were obtained through the state’s social register.

(NAN)