BY JAMES SANI
The Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, has unveiled the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in Olamaboro Local Government Area, describing it as a strategic intervention designed to take the dividends of democracy to rural communities.
The Commissioner made this known during the unveiling of the programme at Edoka Hall, Okpo, Olamaboro Local Government Area, where he addressed party stakeholders drawn from the 10 wards of the local government.
Hon. Anyebe explained that NG-CARES is a state government initiative aimed at bringing government interventions closer to the people, particularly vulnerable households, farmers and communities at the grassroots.
According to him, the programme covers five major intervention areas, three of which provide direct financial support to beneficiaries, while the remaining components focus on community development and agricultural empowerment.
He listed the interventions to include cash transfers to about 208 vulnerable persons across the wards and polling units; livelihood grants for approximately 843 beneficiaries; and Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW), which is expected to benefit 174 persons.
The Commissioner further disclosed that 632 farmers are expected to benefit from agricultural inputs, while 40 communities will receive interventions through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA).
Hon. Anyebe urged stakeholders across the 10 wards to remain united and strengthen their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the state prepares for the forthcoming local government elections and the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that the success of government programmes at the grassroots requires collective support, unity and effective engagement between the government and the people.
The Commissioner commended the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for what he described as his commitment to ensuring that rural communities are carried along in the scheme of things under his administration.
He also assured the governor of his continued dedication and loyalty to the administration, while calling on stakeholders to support government programmes that are aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
In their separate remarks, stakeholders from the 10 wards commended the Kogi State Government for the NG-CARES initiative, describing it as a practical intervention capable of improving the livelihoods of vulnerable residents and promoting community development.
They pledged their continued support for the implementation of the programme and reaffirmed their loyalty to the administration of the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.James SaniInformation Officer,Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,Lokoja.