Allegations of mismanagement have emerged around a ₦50 million presidential empowerment fund meant to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Benue State, raising fresh concerns about transparency in the handling of social welfare programmes for vulnerable Nigerians.
The fund, announced in the first week of December 2025 during a visit to Benue State by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was part of a nationwide empowerment initiative targeted at People With Disabilities and other vulnerable citizens. Under the programme, each state was allocated ₦50 million to support 250 persons with disabilities with ₦200,000 each to strengthen small businesses and livelihoods.
However, leaders of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Benue State now allege that the money was not distributed as directed and that a large portion of the funds remains unaccounted for.
What the Presidential Empowerment Fund Was Meant to Do
According to details provided by the First Lady’s office, the presidential empowerment initiative was designed to provide direct financial support to persons with disabilities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Each beneficiary was expected to receive ₦200,000 without deductions. The funds were meant to help recapitalise small businesses, support those trying to start income-generating activities, and reduce economic hardship among PWDs.
JONAPWD officials say the programme was clearly communicated as non-political, transparent, and free from interference by state actors.
How the Benue Fund Was Handled
JONAPWD Secretary General in Benue State, Moses Afashima, told journalists that the controversy began after the First Lady’s visit and the subsequent release of the funds to the state.
According to him, officials in the Benue State Government later requested the names of potential beneficiaries. Afashima said the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Anshe Bemshima, allegedly asked JONAPWD to submit 30 names, while 10 names were to come from a disability support group linked to the ruling party and another 10 from his office.
JONAPWD complied with the request, noting that it is the legally recognised umbrella body for persons with disabilities in the state.
The disbursement event reportedly took place on December 3, 2025, at the Government House in Makurdi, on the sidelines of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Allegations Raised by JONAPWD
JONAPWD claims that instead of 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each, only 42 persons were confirmed to have received payments on the day of disbursement.
Those who received money reportedly got ₦150,000 each, with ₦50,000 allegedly deducted per person. Beneficiaries were told the deductions were for a medical outreach.
Afashima questioned this explanation, noting that banners at the venue described the medical outreach as “free”.
“As we speak, we do not know where the remaining ₦40 million meant for the other beneficiaries is, and we do not know where the ₦50,000 deducted from each of the 42 persons went,” he said.
The association also alleges that eight people whose names were initially requested did not receive any funds, further deepening concerns about how the money was shared.
Accounts from Beneficiaries
Some beneficiaries who spoke about their experience said they were informed ahead of time that they would not receive the full ₦200,000.
Peter Iorkighir, one of the beneficiaries, said he was among those who received ₦150,000. According to him, only 42 people eventually got paid, despite public announcements suggesting that 250 PWDs in the state would benefit.
Another beneficiary, Joseph Chia, confirmed that deductions were made from the expected amount, adding that the explanation given about medical outreach did not align with what was advertised.
Others said they attended the disbursement event but were denied access after discovering that their names were not on the final list.
Tersoo Pevkya Matthew said he later learned that only 50 names were compiled for the programme in Benue State, contrary to the national guideline of 250 beneficiaries per state.
Role of Government Officials and Response So Far
JONAPWD has accused two state officials, the Principal Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities and the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, who also coordinates the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state, of handling the process.
The association claims it raised its concerns directly with Governor Hyacinth Alia during a meeting with persons with disabilities on the same day as the disbursement. Afashima said the governor appeared upset by the complaints but no official response has followed since then.
As of the time of this report, there has been no public statement from the Benue State Government or the officials named in the allegations.
Petition to Anti-Graft Agencies
On December 8, 2025, JONAPWD submitted a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Makurdi. Copies of the petition were also sent to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The petition cites provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, accusing the officials involved of diversion and criminal conversion of public funds.
JONAPWD is asking the agencies to investigate the matter, recover any misappropriated funds, and ensure that each of the 250 intended beneficiaries receives the full ₦200,000.
The association also referenced an alleged earlier investigation involving one of the officials over the handling of palliatives for PWDs, describing it as part of a wider pattern of misconduct.
Awaiting Investigation
While the allegations remain under investigation, JONAPWD insists that its members deserve clarity, transparency, and justice.
The association says several witnesses are willing to testify before investigators and has urged anti-graft agencies to act swiftly to protect the rights of persons with disabilities in Benue State.
As investigations unfold, the focus remains on whether the full ₦50 million presidential empowerment fund can be properly accounted for and whether the original goal of supporting 250 PWDs in the state will eventually be realised.
