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FG approves N4bn cash transfer for vulnerable households

The federal government has approved a N4 billion allocation for conditional cash transfers to support vulnerable households across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, outlined the initiative aimed at addressing the nation’s growing humanitarian challenges.
The programme will assist at least 10 million displaced households, focusing on the most vulnerable members of society.
The cash transfers are scheduled to begin in February and run through April, targeting families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast.
Announcing the initiative, Professor Yilwada stated: “We are prioritising women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need.
“The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement.”
In addition to the cash transfer programme, the government has approved N2 billion for interest-free loans to farmers in rural areas to enhance food production and self-sufficiency.
“Additionally, the government has allocated N2 billion to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities,” Yilwada noted. “These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities.”
He further highlighted additional relief measures, saying, “A N4 billion provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and affected communities nationwide.
He explained that the HNRP was developed through extensive consultations and designed to address the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected regions, including Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
“We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” Yilwada concluded.
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Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.
According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.
Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.
He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.
During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.
In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.
Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).
The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).
All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.
Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.
He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.
While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,
Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”
In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.
The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.
The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.
A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.
Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.
“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”
He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.
“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.
“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.
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OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme
In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D
Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.
Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.
“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.
The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.
Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.
Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.
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