On Tuesday, the federal government commenced the distribution of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards to the beneficiaries of the Household Uplifting Programme in Kwara.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farooq announced this through the National Cash Transfer Programme coordinator, Halima Shehu.

The head of unit, Kwara State Cash Transfer Unit (KWSTU), Aminah Yahaya, who flagged off the distribution in Ilorin, explained that the exercise heralded the completion of the digitalisation of the payment system.

Ms Yahaya said there are 34,293 beneficiaries across the 16 local government areas of Kwara with Ilorin West used as the pilot scheme.

She apologised for the delay in the payment to the beneficiaries since October, adding that the ministry had resolved the impending issues.

One of the beneficiaries, Salamatu AbdulRaheem, commended the federal government for its gesture, adding that the money has been of great help to her business.

Mrs AbdulRaheem, who said she sells pap, revealed that she contributes from the N10,000 bi-monthly payment and uses the remaining to feed the family and other expenses.

Another beneficiary, Balqees Usman, described the intervention as a considerable relief to her and her family.

On her part, Nimota Muhammed said she reinvested the money in her patent medicine store business, and it has always been of help.

There are 34,293 beneficiaries across the 16 local government areas of the state. 

(NAN)