Kwara State empowers farmers, communities with NG-CARES

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday launched the distribution of the fourth phase of agricultural and infrastructural assets under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme. This initiative targets over 600,000 beneficiaries across different categories in the 16 local government areas.

“The State Government is today taking another giant step forward towards supporting farmers and vulnerable agro-entrepreneurs with high-value assets such as fishing and passenger boats, hand tillers, grinding machines, and more. This is in addition to the donation of various categories of hospital equipment to support vulnerable communities in health delivery and add to the stock of beneficiaries already recorded,” AbdulRazaq said at the launch held at Government House Ilorin.

The Governor was represented at the event by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi. “Today’s ceremony attests to the commitment of the state government to the full implementation of NG-CARES. This is geared towards improving the welfare of the people,” the Governor explained.

The two-pronged programme also saw at least eleven communities benefiting from the distributed hospital equipment. These communities included Alanamu, Atiku-Apata, Lade, Kajola, Kere, Patigi, Isanlu-Isin, Araromi, Igbaja, Omoda, and Baba Dudu.

AbdulRazaq noted that over two million citizens across Kwara State have benefitted from various programmes and interventions under NG-CARES, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labour-intensive public workforce, and social development agency initiatives.

“The State CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on 14 December 2021. NG-CARES, being the first attempt to use the Programme for Result (P for R) approach to deliver goods and services to the most vulnerable in the State, has been very successful as it is making an impact in the lives of the citizens since its take-off.”

“This success is made possible by the continuous and constant support of the State Government to ensure that poor and vulnerable individuals and businesses affected by the economic crisis are supported through different initiatives.”

“Our gathering this afternoon is another phase in our continuous efforts to bring ease to the people through multifaceted interventions. At every stage of our journey so far, our administration has a record of deploying all available resources to make life easier for the people,” the Governor added.

AbdulRazaq urged the beneficiaries of these high-value assets and equipment to consider them as their own and optimise the benefits.

The ceremony was well attended by cabinet members and other government officials, including Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for NG-CARES programme, Dr Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Communication Hon Bola Olukoju; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; State Coordinator for NG-CARES, Ibiyinka Olatunde; and dozens of beneficiaries, among others.

Kwara State has empowered farmers and communities with NG-CARES, distributing agricultural and infrastructural assets to over 600,000 beneficiaries.

Dr Nuru described the intervention as a beacon of hope, designed and supported by the World Bank to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, complementing the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq in making life bearable for all citizens. “The objectives of NG-CARES programmes for results are clear and very impactful. This intervention would expand access to livelihood support and ensure food security among other benefits,” she said, commending the World Bank and the Governor for the initiative.

Olatunde appreciated the government for taking bold steps to key into the programme, describing it as laudable and highly beneficial to the people of the state. “NG-CARES has been delivering goods and services to vulnerable members of our society. This time around, I must sincerely commend the Governor for undertaking it in a new dimension. We can see some valuable items and equipment here which are going to different communities. This is highly commendable,” he said.

Beneficiaries, such as Alhaji Ahmed Ganiyu Adebayo from Alanamu community and Alhaji Sambo Magaji of the Lafiagi Emirate, praised the administration for its kind gesture. “These items (hospital equipment) would go a long way in impacting the lives of our people. The gesture would specifically serve as a model for other states to emulate,” Adebayo said.

Magaji, speaking on behalf of FADAMA beneficiaries, said the items provided will assist farmers significantly as they go about their farming activities, thanking the Governor for being passionate about their well-being.

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of NG-CARES items to beneficiaries by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, who represented the Governor.