General
FG Pays N5000 to 1m Poorest Nigerians
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As part of its determined efforts to touch the lives of Nigerians positively the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has started the payment of N5,000 monthly stipends to the poorest and the most vulnerable in the country through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) of its Social Investment Programmes, SIP.
Under the CCT, one million Nigerians would receive N5000 monthly payments as a form of social safety net for the poorest and most vulnerable as budgeted for in the 2016 Budget. In the first batch that commenced last week, nine states would be covered, and many of the beneficiaries have already reported receiving their first payments by Friday last week, December 30, 2016.
Funds for the commencement of the payments in four states were released last week to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) – the platform that hosts and validates payments for all government’s social intervention programmes. Funds for another set of five states to complete the first batch of nine states would follow soon.
Though the sequence for the payment of the money would be operationally managed by NIBSS, beneficiaries in Borno, Kwara and Bauchi States have started receiving the money. The other states in the first batch to commence the CCT payments are Cross Rivers, Niger, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun & Ekiti States.
The nine pilot states were chosen because they have an existing Social Register that successfully identified the most vulnerable and poorest Nigerians through a tried and tested community based targeting (CBT) method working with the World Bank. However other states have already begun developing their Social Registers and would be included in subsequent phases of the CCT implementation.
Beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer of the Federal Government would be mined from the Social Register, initially developed by 8 States through a direct engagement with the World Bank. Those states are featured in the first batch, with the added inclusion of Borno States where a validated list of IDPS was compiled in addition to the Social Register which is expected to go round the country.
Working with the World Bank, the CBT process has now been adopted for developing the Social Register in the other States around the country, for transparency, objectivity and credibility in the selection of the poorest and most vulnerable beneficiaries for the programme.
The Federal Government will actually commence community mobilization for the creation of the Register in more States soon, to expand the scope and reach of the CCT across the country.
Meanwhile, Plateau, Jigawa, Adamawa, Anambra, Benue, Enugu, Katsina & Taraba States have so far complied with the stipulated framework provided, and are set for the community based targeting method for the development of their Social Register within their jurisdictions.
These States are to be followed by Delta, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Imo and Ogun States. Once the community mobilization, identification and selection processes are completed, the information garnered from the poorest households would be entered onto the Social Register in the states and the National Register at NIBSS, after which the cash transfers would be disbursed to the beneficiaries.
All the funds approved for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes, SIP, are domiciled with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. In addition, the payment information and processes for all beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s SIP are hosted at NIBSS, as the Consolidated Beneficiary Register, to ensure and fortify efforts at authentication and verification, as well as for effective and efficient programme management.
With the commencement of the CCT, the Buhari administration is now implementing four of the Federal Government’s SIP.
Besides the CCT, the N-Power Volunteer Corps designed to hire half a million unemployed graduates which has now engaged 200,000, and the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme now running in three states, the Buhari administration has also kicked-off the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, (GEEP).
Under GEEP, soft loans ranging from N10,000 to 100,000 have been designed for artisans, traders, market women among others.
Already, thousands of cooperatives, market women associations, farmers and enterprising youths, have been identified and registered for the purpose, on an ongoing basis, and the disbursement of the soft loans through the Bank of Industry have started since Nov 25, 2016.
At the last count, for the first phase, beneficiaries have been drawn from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Delta, Imo, Kwara, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Kogi States.
However, disbursements were halted and deferred until after the festive season. Vetting and approval of beneficiaries are now being continued through the month, with the expectation and plan that by month-end disbursements would have been made to 33,000 beneficiaries.
Regarding the 200,000 beneficiaries of the N-Power programme, close to 50% of the graduates, have now been physically verified, and started receiving their monthly stipends of N30,000 last week. A second batch of 300,000 unemployed graduates are expected to be selected early this year to make up the half a million target set by the Buhari administration.
The verified graduates are now being deployed to work as assistant teachers in schools, as community health aides and as agricultural extension workers, in more than 20 States of the Federation. These States include; Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Anambra, Benue, Cross Rivers, Borno, Gombe, Edo, Jigawa, Katsina, Plateau, Kogi, Osun, Rivers, Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, Ogun and Taraba.
Government has also started the implementation of the National Home-grown School Feeding programme designed to feed 5.5 million school children for 200 school days in the first phase of the programme. Although the initial design was to feed pupils in 18 States, funding challenges had affected an earlier take-off. But the programme has now commenced in Osun, Kaduna and Anambra States. More states are expected to join this new year.
In the new year, it is the plan of the Federal Government to scale up the implementation of the SIP to touch the lives of millions of Nigerians in fulfillment of its promises and in furtherance of its Change agenda.
General
Unlocking Profitability: The Benefits of Hiring a Property Management Company in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach’s vibrant real estate market beckons both seasoned and novice investors looking to reap substantial returns. However, property ownership comes with its fair share of challenges, including day-to-day maintenance, tenant relations, and the nuances of legal compliance. This is where the expertise of a property management company becomes invaluable. An efficient property manager can alleviate these burdens, permitting owners to enjoy their investments’ benefits with fewer headaches. Keep reading to discover how property management in West Palm Beach can enhance your real estate experience and profitability.
Unlocking Profitability: The Role of Property Management Companies in West Palm Beach
Property managers play a huge role in keeping rental properties profitable, especially in a competitive market like West Palm Beach. They handle the day-to-day work that often drains an owner’s time, from setting the right rental rates to advertising vacancies. Thanks to their knowledge of local trends, West Palm Beach Property Management teams help attract reliable tenants and keep units occupied.
They also serve as the bridge between owners and renters, managing everything from screenings and inspections to repairs and conflict resolution. By keeping properties well-maintained and responding quickly to tenant needs, they boost satisfaction and encourage long-term leases, ultimately protecting property value and strengthening steady cash flow for owners.
Enhancing Real Estate Value through Professional Property Management
Professional property management plays a key role in increasing long-term property value. These teams guide strategic upgrades and renovations that boost appeal and competitiveness in the West Palm Beach market. Consistent maintenance schedules protect essential features, prevent costly repairs, and support stronger property assessments. Skilled managers also anticipate market trends, directing improvements that align with evolving tenant expectations and help properties attract higher rents and responsible occupants.
By coordinating directly with contractors and service providers, they ensure all work meets professional standards while securing competitive pricing through established vendor relationships, giving property owners both savings and confidence in the care of their investment.
Streamlining Operations: How Property Management Saves You Time and Money
Property management services save investors valuable time by handling daily rental operations such as tenant acquisition, maintenance, and administrative tasks. Their expertise creates a streamlined system that frees owners to focus on growth or other pursuits. These firms also help reduce long-term costs through market knowledge, supplier discounts, and preventive maintenance that avoids expensive repairs.
They support strong financial performance with organized tracking of income, expenses, and profitability, making accounting and tax preparation easier. Their skill in budgeting and forecasting helps protect returns and keep investments on track, giving owners more flexibility while maintaining strong rental performance.
Attracting and Retaining Tenants with Expert Property Management Services
Property management companies play a vital role in attracting and keeping reliable tenants by using strong marketing tactics and thorough screening. Their tenant retention efforts, consistent communication, quick responses, and a respectful environment help reduce turnover and encourage long-term leases. Tenants feel more secure knowing they have a dependable point of contact for issues, which boosts satisfaction and stability.
Skilled managers also handle lease renewals and negotiations to maintain favorable terms. With deep awareness of tenant preferences and local market trends, they guide owners in adding desirable amenities that elevate a property’s appeal within West Palm Beach’s competitive rental market.
Navigating West Palm Beach’s Real Estate Legal Landscape with a Property Management Partner
Navigating property law and evolving regulations can be challenging for property owners, making legal compliance a complex task. Property management companies provide expertise in staying current with local, state, and federal laws, helping landlords avoid costly mistakes. They serve as advocates during tenant disputes or legal conflicts, managing issues professionally and, if needed, representing owners in court or negotiations.
These companies also draft and enforce comprehensive lease agreements, minimizing misunderstandings and fostering smooth landlord-tenant relationships. By implementing fair policies and rigorous safety measures, property managers reduce the risk of discrimination claims, safety violations, and other legal repercussions, ensuring both tenant protection and the long-term success of the property.
Altogether, engaging the services of a professional property management company in West Palm Beach is a shrewd investment in real estate success. Property owners benefit from the expertise that not only safeguards but also magnifies the potential of their assets, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of investment with minimal hassle.
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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