News
Cash Transfer: FG Releases N24 Billion to 991,261 Households
The Federal Government has disbursed N24.78 billion under the National Cash Transfer Programme to support 991,261 poor households, part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty in Nigeria. This initiative, led by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has reached beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Badamasi Lawal, the NSIPA National Coordinator and CEO, stated that the disbursement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that in August 2024, the government had previously allocated N3.83 billion to 153,038 households.
In September 2024, the agency distributed N20.96 billion among 838,223 households, with each beneficiary receiving N25,000 through their designated Financial Service Providers.
“The Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer is designed to cushion the economic shocks faced by the poorest and most vulnerable households,” the statement added. Lawal emphasized that the program aims not only to reduce poverty but also to improve household finances and encourage savings.
Additionally, the health benefits of the program are expected to enhance the beneficiaries’ access to health and nutritional services. Lawal mentioned that the emotional and social benefits include improved livelihoods, better interpersonal relationships, and increased family happiness.
The government also announced the disbursement of the second tranche of payments to approximately one million beneficiaries of its cash-based Social Investment Programme. Finance Minister Wale Edun disclosed this during a meeting with the Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme, though specific details about the beneficiaries and amounts were not provided.
The ministry highlighted key updates regarding the second payments to about a million verified recipients under the Direct Benefit Transfer programme. Edun advised the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office to partner with the National Identity Management Company for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment to enhance the program’s outreach.
This directive will allow the office direct access to the database of all Nigerians registered on the National Identification Number platform. The minister also discussed strategies to improve communication about the program across Nigeria.
Edun emphasized the critical importance of identifying the most vulnerable individuals and ensuring they receive their benefits promptly and securely through digital means, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering social investment programs efficiently and transparently.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, marking another step in his efforts to target political opponents.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called an excessive security detail for Hunter Biden, claiming he had up to 18 agents protecting him. He also announced that Ashley Biden’s security detail, reportedly consisting of 13 agents, would be withdrawn.
“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden… will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote.
Federal law grants lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses, while their children receive coverage only until age 16. However, adult children of presidents often receive extended protection for a period of time.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Trump’s directive, stating, “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
Hunter Biden has long been a focal point of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions before leaving office in January. On Monday, Trump declared that those pardons were void, a move with unclear legal standing.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has also revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the country’s COVID-19 response.
The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January that individuals are “not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.”
During his first presidency, Trump extended Secret Service protection for six months to his four adult children and several senior officials, a move that cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 188, details the process for the impeachment of a state governor, requiring a structured legal framework that ensures due process and fairness.
According to the provision, impeachment begins when at least one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly sign a written notice accusing the governor of gross misconduct. The allegations must be clear, specific, and detailed to avoid ambiguity.
Once the notice is received, the Speaker of the House has seven days to serve a copy to the governor and distribute the governor’s response to all assembly members.
Within 14 days, the House must vote on whether to investigate the allegations. This decision is made by motion without debate and requires a two-thirds majority to proceed. If passed, the Chief Judge of the state is mandated to appoint a seven-member panel within seven days to investigate the allegations. This panel must be composed of individuals who are not members of a legislative house, public service, or political party.
During the investigation, the governor has the right to defend himself personally or through legal representation. The panel has three months to complete its inquiry and submit its findings to the assembly.
If the panel concludes that the allegations lack proof, the impeachment process is terminated. However, if the panel finds the allegations proven, the assembly must, within 14 days, vote on the report. A two-thirds majority vote in favor results in the governor’s immediate removal from office.
This process ensures that impeachment is not arbitrary but follows a clear legal and procedural path, reinforcing democratic accountability in governance.
Asaba, Nigeria – Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, according to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
Edafe said the police had earlier arrested a suspect on March 9, 2025, while he was attempting to buy ammunition for an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the rifle’s location, leading the police to a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, the gang engaged the police in a fierce shootout, leaving four suspects with fatal gunshot wounds.
The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue as police intensify efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Edafe revealed that on March 12, 2025, a resident of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, 2025, and a ransom was paid. He also disclosed that he was responsible for delivering the ransom and food items to the kidnappers.
Acting on this information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibusa mobilized a team alongside local vigilantes and stormed a bush hideout, leading to the arrest of Abdulahi Isah, a suspected member of the gang.
The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
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