By Our Reporter
Concern is mounting among elderly citizens in Akwa Ibom State following an empowerment programme organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs, where promised cash support is yet to be fully disbursed nearly two weeks after the event.
The programme, held on December 16, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Governor’s Office, was organised under the social empowerment initiative of the Wife of the President and targeted senior citizens aged 60 years and above. At the event, a total donation of ₦50 million was announced, with assurances that each invited beneficiary would receive ₦200,000.
While some of the beneficiaries reportedly received their payments on the spot, a large number were asked to submit their bank account details for “immediate transfer.” However, as of the time of filing this report, no such transfers have been made to many of those affected.
Several beneficiaries, most of them retired senior citizens, expressed disappointment and anxiety over the delay. One of them, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recalled a troubling remark allegedly made during the exercise, suggesting that beneficiaries who left the venue without immediate payment might never be paid.
“That statement has left many of us worried,” the retired senior citizen said. “Most of us are elderly, vulnerable, and truly in need of this support. We complied fully by submitting our account details, yet nothing has come through.”
The situation has sparked calls for urgent intervention, particularly from the Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Women Affairs, both of which reportedly collected the beneficiaries’ bank details.
Stakeholders and concerned citizens are urging the relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure that the promised funds are released without further delay, stressing that the credibility of government-led social intervention programmes depends on transparency, accountability, and prompt fulfilment of commitments.
As of press time, officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs had not issued an official statement explaining the delay or outlining a clear timeline for the disbursement of the outstanding payments.
