Governor Atiku Bagudu on Thursday inaugurated the disbursement of about N500 million to more than 4,000 beneficiaries under the KB-CARES programme.

Under the social transfer programme, 1,950 beneficiaries will get N20,000 bi-monthly transfers for 24 months.

Speaking at the take-off of the programme in Birnin Kebbi, the governor said NG-CARES was a tripartite intervention programme jointly sponsored by the World Bank and federal and state governments.

According to him, the programme is meant to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic occasioned by the lockdowns that followed the pandemic.

The governor said the lockdowns made people across the world stay indoors without being capable of engaging in any meaningful socio-economic activities.

Mr Bagudu explained that the programme was divided into many parts, with many farmers provided free assorted fertilisers, inputs, and chemicals, among other items.

“Today’s event is specifically for the launch of two main types of support. The funds for this category are already in commercial banks across the state, and disbursement has commenced,” disclosed the Kebbi governor. “Similarly, under the livelihood support grants, the same number of beneficiaries will also benefit.”

(NAN)