By John Ndu
The beneficiaries of the Federal Government's Conditional Cash Transfer programmes (CCT) in Anambra state have been commended for their hug investment and establishment of various enterprises through the scheme.
This was disclosed when the Livelihood Officer, Anambra State Cash Transfer Unit, (ANSCTU) Mr Christan Obiajulu visited some pilots wards in different local government in the state.
The essence of the visit was to ascertain the level of progress and success stories recorded by the beneficiaries within this period of the programme.
We will recall that the Federal Government initiated the CCT programme and was designed to benefit poor and vulnerable households with a monthly stipend of N5,000 Nigerian (US$13.83).
Beneficiaries also receive training as well as financial and technical support to start small businesses.
The Conditional cash transfer programmes give money to households on the condition that they comply with certain pre-defined requirements.
Some of the areas visited include Umuezeogbo ward, Nawfija, Orumba South local government area, where the beneficiary, Mrs Grace Mgbo Onyesoruo established piggery.
Another Community visited were Umuofor Okija, Ihiala local government area, where some individuals formed a Co-operative Society and established mechanised system of pounding fufu (casava) and supply to hotels, individuals and other organizations.
Among the Umuofor Cooperative, some of them also had their individual enterprises, like Mrs Nkiruka Umeruogu, who added selling of firewood. She sells to big establishments also and Mrs Ude Bridget who sells onions.
Also visited was Unity Cooperative Union, Ozzuh, Umunachi, Dunukofia Local government area, where the group specialized in production of "Ogili Igbo" (Local spices), and Mr Clement Okeke who sells local foul.
Reacting to the tour, Mr Obiajulu expressed satisfaction with the rapid success stories recorded and their dedication in pursuing their goals.
He explained that the beneficiaries were selected through the stakeholders from the various agro communities with a Social Investment Programme.
"It is the Stakeholders that will inform the staff of Social Investment Programme about some poor people in the area.
"Through the process, the person's name will be captured and added to Social Register.
"Who have Cash Transfer Facilitators who takes down the information from the national and ad well, inform the national about the situation.
"There is remarkable progress and the expected impact on their lives had been noticed. There is expansion in their enterprise.
"I observed they are really making money both in savings and expansion of their enterprise. It is expected that by the time the programme ends, they can stand on their own.
"We are doing pilot test on the pilot local Governments to see best way to project them for this programme. At the end, they will be giving a productive grant, to enable them boost their economic development." Obiajulu noted.
He further urged them to ensure proper saving, to enable them procure further facilities they may need in the future.
Also Speaking the Training and Communication Officer (TCO) Anambra State Cash Transfer Unit, Mr Olisa Maxwell Onwumar the explained that the essence of the programme was to lift the downtrodden and take them out of poverty.
"I advice them to make maximum use of the opportunity and imbibe saving culture". Onwumar added.
Reacting, the beneficiaries commended the federal government for the scheme, which according to them, had lifted and eradicated them from poverty.
They also requested Government's intervention in some of their businesses's challenges, to enable them meet the required target.
