Launch of Fourth Phase of NG-CARES Program in Kwara StateLaunch of Fourth Phase of NG-CARES Program in Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has initiated the distribution of the fourth phase of the agricultural and infrastructure resource initiative under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) program. The initiative aims to reach over 600,000 beneficiaries across different categories in all 16 local government areas of the state. At the launch ceremony, Governor Abdulrazaq pledged the state government’s commitment to fully implement NG-CARES, emphasizing its goal of improving the well-being of Kwara residents. He highlighted that the program has already benefited two million citizens through various interventions, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labor-intensive government employment, and the Social Development Agency. The NG-CARES Steering Committee, inaugurated in December 2021, has overseen the successful implementation of the program, which has adopted the Program for Result (P for R) approach to deliver essential goods and services to vulnerable populations. Governor Abdulrazaq urged beneficiaries to utilize the valuable assets and equipment provided through NG-CARES responsibly, maximizing their potential for their own benefit and the progress of the state. Hauwa Nuhu, Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for the NG-CARES Program, praised the initiative as a beacon of hope, designed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She acknowledged the World Bank’s support and Governor Abdulrazaq’s efforts in making life easier for all Kwara citizens. Olatunde expressed his appreciation for the government’s endorsement of the NG-CARES program, recognizing its immense benefits for the people of the state. He commended the provision of tangible assets and equipment to various communities, a significant aspect of the program’s implementation. Magaji Abdul, speaking on behalf of FADAMA beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the items received, which he stated would significantly support farmers’ agricultural activities. He praised Governor Abdulrazaq for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers in the state.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has launched the distribution of the fourth phase of the agricultural and infrastructure resource initiative under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, targeting over 600,000 beneficiaries across categories in the 16 local government areas.
Abdulrazaq, represented by Kayode Alabi, Deputy Governor at the launch held recently, said: “The Kwara today takes another major step forward in supporting farmers and vulnerable agro-entrepreneurs with valuable assets such as fishing and passenger boats, hand tillers and grinders .”
“Today’s ceremony therefore testifies to the commitment of the state government to the full implementation of NG-CARES. This is aimed at improving the well-being of the people.”
Abdulrazaq, according to a press release from the government office, said as many as two million citizens in Kwara State have benefited from the various programs and interventions under NG-CARES, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labor-intensive government employees and the Social Development Agency.
“The state CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on December 14, 2021. NG-CARES, the first effort to use the Program for Result (P for R) approach to deliver goods and services to the state’s most vulnerable, has been highly successful as it has impacted the lives of the citizens.”
“This is made possible by the continued and constant support of the state government to ensure that poor and vulnerable individuals and businesses affected by the economic crisis are supported through various initiatives.
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“Our meeting this afternoon marks a new phase in our ongoing efforts to bring convenience to the people through multifaceted interventions. At every stage of our journey so far, our government has proven to use all available resources to make life easy for the people,” the Governor added.
Abdulrazaq, however, urged the beneficiaries of these valuable assets and equipment to treat these assets as their own and maximize their benefits.
Hauwa Nuhu, Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for the NG-CARES Programme, described the intervention as a beacon of hope designed and supported by the World Bank to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, complementing Governor Abdulrazaq’s efforts in making life bearable for all citizens.
“The goals of NG-CARES programs for results are clear and highly impactful. This intervention would expand access to livelihood support and ensure food security. Among other benefits, we commend the World Bank and the Governor for the initiative.”
Olatunde in his speech expressed appreciation for the government for taking the bull by the horns by endorsing the programme, which he described as commendable and very beneficial to the people of the state.
“NG-Care provides goods and services to vulnerable members of our society. And this has always been the case. But this time, I must sincerely commend the Governor for undertaking this in a new dimension. Because here we can all see valuable items and equipment going to different communities. This is very commendable,” he said.
Magaji Abdul, who spoke on behalf of the FADAMA beneficiaries, said the items provided will greatly help farmers in their farming activities and thanked the Governor for his passion for their welfare.
