Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday in Ilorin launched the distribution of the fourth phase of agricultural and infrastructural assets under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

Mr AbdulRazaq, represented by the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, said the fourth phase targeted 600,000 beneficiaries across different categories in the state’s 16 local government areas.

He said it was 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 among others.

The governor said, “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. 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. The two-legged programme also had at least 11 communities that benefited from the distributed hospital equipment support. They include Alanamu, Atiku-Apata, Lade, Kajola, Kere, Patigi, Isanlu-isin, Araromi, Igbaja, Omoda and Baba Dudu communities.’’

Mr AbdulRazaq said not less than two million residents across Kwara had benefited from the various programmes and interventions under the NG-CARES.

He said these programmes included FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labour intensive public workforce, and social development agency.

He added, “The State CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on December 14 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 successful as it is making an impact in the lives of the residents since its take-off.

“This is made possible by the continuous and constant support of the state government to ensure that poor and vulnerable individuals and businesses affected by economic crises are supported through different initiatives. Our gathering 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 available resources to make life easy for the people.’’

Mr AbdulRazaq urged the beneficiaries of the high-valued assets and equipment to consider the assets as theirs and optimise the benefits.

On her part, the Chairman, State Steering Committee for NG-CARES programme, Dr Hauwa Nuru, described the intervention as a beacon of hope.

She said it was designed and supported by the World Bank to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and complement Mr AbdulRazaq’s efforts in making life bearable for the residents.

“The objectives of NG-CARES programmes for results are clear and impactful. This intervention will expand access to livelihood support and ensure food security and among other benefits,” Mr Nuru said.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator for NG-CARES, Ibiyinka Olatunde, appreciated the government for taking the bull by the horns by keying into the programme.

He described 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,” he said.

Beneficiaries such as Mr Ahmed, Ganiyu Adebayo from Alanamu community and Sambo Magaji of the Lafiagi Emirate, took turns to eulogise the AbdulRazaq administration for the gesture.

“These items (hospital equipment) will go a long way in impacting the lives of our people. The gesture will specifically serve as a model for other states to emulate,” Mr Adebayo said.

Mr Magaji, who spoke on behalf of FADAMA beneficiaries, said the items provided would assist farmers a lot in their farming activities and thanked the governor for being passionate about their well-being.

(NAN)