kwara state targets 600,000 beneficiaries in fresh NG-CARES programme

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has launched the fourth phase of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, aimed at supporting farmers and vulnerable agro-entrepreneurs across the state.

The programme, which is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank, has distributed high-value assets such as fishing and passenger boats, hand tillers, and grinding machines to over 600,000 beneficiaries across the 16 local government areas of the state. The programme also provided hospital equipment to 11 communities, including Alanamu, Atiku-Apata, Lade, Kajola, Kere, Patigi, Isanlu-isin, Araromi, Igbaja, Omoda; and Baba Dudu communities.

According to the Governor, the programme is designed to improve the welfare of citizens and has already benefited over two million people across the state since its inception. The Governor commended the World Bank for its support and assured that the state government would continue to implement the programme to achieve its objectives.

The Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, who represented the Governor at the launch event, urged beneficiaries to consider the items as their own and optimize their benefits. He also thanked the World Bank for its partnership with the state government.

The Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, described the NG-CARES programme as a beacon of hope designed to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. She commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his commitment to making life easier for citizens.

The State Coordinator for NG-CARES, Ibiyinka Olatunde, appreciated the government for taking bold steps to implement the programme. He noted that the programme has been delivering goods and services to vulnerable members of society and has been highly beneficial to the people of the state.

Beneficiaries who spoke at the event praised the government for its kind gesture and expressed gratitude for the support provided. They noted that the items would go a long way in impacting their lives and serving as a model for other states to emulate.

The event was attended by some cabinet members and other officials of government, including 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.