Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has launched the fourth phase of the agricultural and infrastructural assets initiative under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) program. This phase targets over 600,000 beneficiaries across the 16 local government areas.
Represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi at the recent launch, Abdulrazaq stated, “Kwara is today taking another giant step forward in supporting farmers and vulnerable agro-entrepreneurs with high-value assets such as fishing and passenger boats, hand tillers, and grinding machines.” He emphasized that the ceremony highlights the state government’s commitment to fully implementing NG-CARES and improving the welfare of the people.
According to a government release, over two million citizens across Kwara State have benefitted from various NG-CARES programs and interventions, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labor-intensive public workforce, and social development agency initiatives.
The state’s CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on December 14, 2021. Abdulrazaq noted that NG-CARES, using the Program for Results (P for R) approach, has successfully delivered goods and services to the most vulnerable since its inception. He attributed this success to the continuous support of the State Government in aiding poor and vulnerable individuals and businesses affected by economic crises.
“Our gathering today marks another phase in our continuous efforts to ease the lives of the people through multifaceted interventions,” Abdulrazaq added. He urged beneficiaries to consider the provided assets as their own and maximize their benefits.
Hauwa Nuhu, Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for NG-CARES, described the intervention as a beacon of hope designed and supported by the World Bank to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. She praised the Governor’s efforts to make life bearable for all citizens, highlighting that the NG-CARES program expands access to livelihood support and ensures food security.
Olatunde, in his remarks, commended the government for its proactive approach and the valuable items and equipment provided to various communities. Magaji Abdul, speaking on behalf of FADAMA beneficiaries, thanked the Governor for his dedication to their well-being, noting that the items will significantly assist farmers in their activities.
