The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has hailed the fast-track disbursement of funds to 15 million households under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme of the President Bola Tinubu administration.The group said the fast-track disbursement was due to the delay in the full implementation of a scheme, which it said was central to the administration’s quest to lift millions of vulnerable Nigerians out of acute poverty.

Mr Emeka Nwankpa, the Chairman of TMSG, in a statement on Saturday, said with the newly inaugurated inter-agency task force in place, the stage was set for a wider coverage of the poverty-alleviation scheme. “We are aware that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the Conditional Cash Transfer programme targeted at 15 million households across the country soon after assuming office in 2023.“The idea was to improve on the same scheme introduced by his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, by reaching more Nigerians than the 1.6 million households (8 million individuals) who benefited from the Buhari administration’s disbursement of N10,000 bi-monthly as of 2021.“So, President Tinubu’s CCT initiative is clearly more ambitious, with the target of ensuring that 15 million households receive N25,000 per month thrice in a year,” said the group.But it said since the announcement, the process had been slowed down by financial inclusion bottlenecks, which had been addressed by an inter-agency task force.The task force includes the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).“We view the composition of the task force as a statement of intent. The Tinubu administration is set to navigate issues of distrust that characterise the previous scheme and ensure that all beneficiaries have a digital footprint aside from bank accounts.“We still recall how state governments under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC), in July 2023, disowned the National Social Register (NSR), the database for vulnerable populations used by the Buhari administration for the CCT programme.“But now, with NIMC working with the Central Bank and other relevant humanitarian agencies, we are convinced that more of the intended beneficiaries would be able to have the NIN, which is now mandatory for benefitting from the CCT and other social services.“In addition, the issue of distrust in disbursement would be addressed, and the possibility of funds getting to intended beneficiaries would be higher with proper documentation and identification,” said TMSG.It commended the Tinubu administration for taking these additional steps against the backdrop of the alarm raised by the World Bank recently on increasing poverty in rural Nigeria and the need to ramp up social protection initiatives.“Recently, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, told Mr Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President, West and Central Africa, that there was evidence that six million households were benefiting from the scheme.“So, we hope that in due course, the Tinubu administration’s target of reaching out to 15 million vulnerable households would be met,” said the group.It urged agencies involved in the process to live up to expectations by ensuring swift completion of the task of addressing the delay in cushioning the impact of economic hardship on vulnerable Nigerians. (NAN)

The Muslim Ummah of the South West of Nigeria (MUSWEN) says Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar,Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), deserves commendation and not condemnation.

MUSWEN, the umbrella organisation for all Muslim groups and associations in the geo-political zone, stated this following the technical hitches that affected segments of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The group, in a press statement on Friday signed by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and Professor Muslih-Tayo Yahya, President and Executive Secretary, respectively, said “it stands in solidarity with Prof.

Ishaq Oloyede.”

It said while it acknowledged the genuine concerns of candidates, parents, and other stakeholders over the disruptions caused by the computer network glitches during the examinations, it strongly cautioned against any rush to impugn the integrity or commitment of the current JAMB leadership.

“Prof. Oloyede has, over the years, distinguished himself as a man of immense capacity, transparency, and accountability.

“Since assuming office, he has restored confidence in the examination body, improved institutional efficiency, returned billions of naira to the national treasury, and embraced technology as a tool for sanitising the conduct of public examinations.

“We urge all stakeholders—especially the media, civil society, and policymakers—to avoid playing into the hands of cynics and detractors who see every temporary setback as an opportunity to undermine institutions and scapegoat public servants.”

MUSWEN called for calm, constructive engagement and systemic support for JAMB to continue on its path of reform, in the spirit of justice and fairness.

“Prof. Oloyede deserves commendation, not condemnation.

“The glitches, though regrettable, do not define his track record—they merely remind us of the continuous work needed in building resilient institutions in our country.

“May Allah (SWT) continue to guide, protect, and strengthen all public servants working conscientiously for the betterment of our nation,” it concluded.(NAN)

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has transported 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj in one week.

NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafil Mohammed, in Abuja on Thursday.

Report says that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had on May 9 declared the inaugural flight open in Owerri, Imo.

Mohammed, while providing an update on the ongoing 2025 Hajj airlift operations, said that within six days, 50 flights have successfully conveyed 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said that the commission would regularly update the public on the  exercise progress.

Report says that NAHCON is a government’s agency that regulates and coordinates Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims to ensure a smoother and more efficient pilgrimage experience.

This includes licensing and supervising organisations involved in Hajj and Umrah operations, and coordinating with government authorities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. (NAN)