Kwara State distributes farm implement, others to boost food security
Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state 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.
AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, said the fourth phase targets 600,000 beneficiaries across different categories in the state’s 16 local government areas (LGAs).
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.
“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 eleven 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,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq said not less than two million residents across Kwara have benefitted from the various programmes and interventions under the NG-CARES.
He said these programmes include FADAMA, Social Cash Transfer, labour intensive public workforce, and social development agency.
“The State CARES Steering Committee was inaugurated on Dec. 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 very 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 crisis are supported through different initiatives.
“Our gathering this afternoon is another phase in our continuous efforts to bring ease to the people through multi-faceted 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 urged the beneficiaries of these high-valued assets and equipment to consider these assets as their own and optimize the benefits.
The Chairman, State Steering Committee for NG-CARES programme, Dr Hauwa Nuru, on her part 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 Gov. AbdulRazaq’s eforts in making life bearable for all the residents.
“The objectives of NG-CARES programmes for results are clear and very impactful. This intervention will expand access to livelihood support and ensure food security and among other benefits,” Nuru said.
The State Coordinator for NG-CARES, Ibiyinka Olatunde, in his remarks, appreciated 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 Alhaji Ahmed, Ganiyu Adebayo from Alanamu community and Alhaji Sambo Magaji of the Lafiagi Emirate, took turns to eulogise the AbdulRazaq administration for “the kind 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,” Adebayo said.
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 / Foluke Ibitomi
