Social media is buzzing after a viral image emerged showing the Federal Ministry of Finance presenting a dummy cheque of ₦25,000 to a beneficiary under the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer program.

What caught the public’s attention wasn’t the cash transfer itself, but the perceived extravagance behind the optics. According to social media user Akintunde Babatunde, designing and printing such a dummy cheque costs no less than ₦20,000 — almost the same amount as the actual giveaway.

“Everyday, our leaders convince me they don’t think and are more interested in the optics and the pictures…” — Akintunde Babatunde

Public commentator Nefertiti summed up the sentiment in a blunt statement:

> “Nigerians are living in bondage 💔💔”

The photo has sparked a wave of criticism, with many arguing that the funds spent on printing could have been used to provide more direct aid instead of staging what they describe as a publicity stunt.

The incident has once again ignited conversations about government spending priorities, transparency, and whether such displays truly serve the people or are simply for show.