Gov AbdulRazaq Says People’s Welfare Remains His Administration’s Priority As Govt Targets 600,000 Beneficiaries In ‘Fresh’ NG-CARES Interventions

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state on Wednesday launched the distribution of the fourth phase of agricultural and infrastructural assets to communities in the state under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, targeting over 600,000 beneficiaries across different categories in the 16 local governments in the state.

‘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 so on. 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’  Governor AbdulRazaq , who was represented  by his deputy, Mr  Kayode Alabi,  submitted  during the presentation ceremony at the Government House, Ilorin. 

‘Today’s ceremony, therefore, attests to the commitment of the state government to full implementation of NG-CARES. This is geared towards improving the welfare of the people’ he added. 

Eleven communities also benefited from the hospital equipment support scheme during  the 2-legged programme and they included Alanamu, Atiku-Apata, Lade, Kajola, Kere, Patigi, Isanlu-isin, Araromi, Igbaja, Omoda; and Baba Dudu communities.

AbdulRazaq said no less than two million citizens across Kwara state have benefitted from the various programmes and interventions under the NG-CARES, including FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labour intensive public workforce, and social development agency. 

‘The State CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on the 14th of 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 has continued to make impacts in the lives of the citizens since its take-off.

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 economic crisis are supported through different initiatives.

Our gathering this afternoon is another phase in our continued 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 easy for the people’ the governor added. 

AbdulRazaq  also urged the beneficiaries of these high-valued assets and equipment to consider them as their own and optimize the benefits.

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

Giving her speech, Dr Nuru, described the intervention as a beacon of hope that was designed and supported by the World Bank to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, which has complemented the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq in making life bearable for all the 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 and among other benefits’ she submitted while commending the World Bank and the governor for the initiative.

Olatunde, in his remarks, appreciated the government for taking the bull by the horn and keying into the programme that he described as laudable and highly beneficial to the people of the state.

‘NG-Care has been delivering goods and services to vulnerable members of our society. And it has always been like this. But this time around, I must sincerely commend the governor for undertaking it in a new dimension. Because all of us can see some valuable items and equipment here which are going to different communities. This is highly commendable’ he said.

Beneficiaries including Alhaji Ahmed Ganiyu Adebayo from Alanamu community and Alhaji Sambo Magaji of the Lafiagi Emirate, who spoke at the event on behalf of others, took turns to eulogize the administration for what they called a kind gesture. 

‘These items (hospital equipment) would go a long way in impacting the lives of our people. This gesture of goodwill would specifically serve as a model for other states to emulate’ Adebayo said.

Magaji, who spoke on behalf of the FADAMA beneficiaries, said the items made available to them will assist farmers a lot as they go about their farming activities and thanked the governor for being passionate about their well-being.

Highlight of the programme was the presentation of NG-CARES items to the beneficiaries by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi on behalf of the governor.

Alhaji  AbdulMalik Mashood,  Chairman, Araromi Community Project Management Committee, Ilorin South local government , who received equipment donated to the Kwara state Cottage Hospital , Ogidi  , Alhaji Dantala Yaro , who spoke on behalf of the Kaiama community, and Mr Kolo Ella Muhammad  in their separate speeches thanked the Governor AbdulRazaq administration for giving priority to the welfare of  citizens and residents of Kwara state–Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you