Emmanuel Ikpeama
Mopamuro,Kogi — The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has flagged off the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) intervention programme in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Fanwo said the programme is a clear demonstration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to tackling poverty and improving livelihoods at the grassroots.
The Commissioner unveiled the programme at a well-attended stakeholders meeting in Mopamuro, which had in attendance community leaders, political stakeholders and NG-CARES coordinators from across the LGA.
Explaining the components of the programme, Fanwo said NG-CARES is designed to support poor and vulnerable households while strengthening rural infrastructure and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
According to him, the intervention covers cash transfers to poor households, public works opportunities for beneficiaries, Livelihood Support Grants and agricultural inputs for farmers across the LGA.
He added that communities would also be allowed to identify critical infrastructure projects they need most, which will be provided under the programme.
“NG-CARES is about taking development directly to the people. It’s about supporting vulnerable households, creating opportunities and giving communities a voice in determining the infrastructure they need. The ultimate objective is to create a pathway out of poverty and empower our people to become economically stronger,” Fanwo said.
The Information Commissioner stressed that the programme is a fulfilment of Governor Ododo’s promise to provide succour for poor and vulnerable households across the state.
He warned that the scheme must not be politicised, regardless of political affiliation.
“Even though over 95 percent of the people of Mopamuro are members or supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), this scheme mustn’t be politicised. Poverty doesn’t know any party.
Hunger doesn’t know any party. Anybody who qualifies for this intervention should have access to it, irrespective of political affiliation.
This is about the people, and Governor Ododo is committed to ensuring that the government reaches those who need support most,” he stated.
Fanwo urged beneficiaries to use the support responsibly and turn the opportunities into sustainable sources of income.
He also charged community leaders and coordinators to ensure transparency and fairness in implementation.
The meeting was attended by the Executive Chairman of Mopamuro LGA, Hon. Ademola Bello; Member Representing Mopamuro State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Olawumi Jacob; Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Integration, Hon. Moses Sunday David, as well as other critical stakeholders, community leaders and NG-CARE coordinators.
