Dr. Betta Edu, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, announced that the federal government, in collaboration with the Cross River State government, will launch the payment of grants to indigent people on Christmas Day. The initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to uplift the poor and vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty.
During the 15th Coronation Anniversary of the Obong of Calabar and the 2023 annual Utomo Obong Festival in Calabar, Edu stated that the government has identified vulnerable groups in Cross River, starting with those in the Southern Senatorial District. The funds disbursed on Christmas Day are intended to assist individuals in starting micro-businesses, contributing to poverty alleviation.
Edu mentioned that her ministry has a checklist of potential beneficiaries, having reached out through traditional rulers to communities at the ward and village levels to identify those meeting the criteria for assistance. She emphasized the importance of the Utomo Obong festival, celebrating the rich Efik cultural heritage, and extended congratulations to the Obong on his 15th coronation anniversary and the success of the festival.