The Director General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) in Adamawa State, Dr. Michael Zira, has announced that out of 40,000 applicants for the recent Fintiri Business Wallet cash transfer program, 3,806 individuals did not receive their funds due to incorrect bank details submitted during registration.
Zira also raised concerns that around 1,500 applications were rejected as they were found to be fraudulent.
These 1500 applicants, she said, had already benefited from the program, and the rules prohibit individuals from receiving assistance more than once.
He revealed that 701 individuals submitted fake applications by photocopying counterfeit forms, which were produced at computer centers and sold to them.
Zira condemned these dishonest practices, which ultimately invalidated their applications.
He stressed that the PAWECA operates with full transparency and fairness, as directed by Governor Fintiri.
To maintain fairness, he noted that PAWECA publishes the names of those who successfully received their funds.
Zira also mentioned that desk officers have been assigned in all 21 local governments in the state to address complaints.
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“Despite the challenges, the initiative has achieved a 92 percent success rate, which I consider a significant accomplishment,” he stated.
He congratulated Governor Fintiri for being named the best governor of the year, affirming that the recognition is well-deserved.
When asked about his political aspirations, Dr. Zira responded, saying “everyone has ambitions by nature. If it is God’s will, I may consider it, but it depends on what my governor, my leader, and my boss want.
“If he tells me to run, I will; if he advises against it, I won’t. I am completely at his service and will follow his guidance.”