Governor, of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah has reiteratedd his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme aimed at stimulating economic growth and recovery through sustainable interventions.
Governor Mbah disclosed this in Enugu recently, during the Peer Learning and Experience Sharing event on NG-CARES programme, organized by Federal CARES Support unit, under the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Pix- SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia delivering
Governor’s address.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among states. “NG-CARES has been instrumental in supporting our economic recovery efforts. This peer learning event provides a unique opportunity for us to learn from each other and improve our implementation strategies, this event reinforces our resolve to work together a more resilient and prosperous Enugu”.
Pix- Enugu- SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia
He noted that NG-CARES programme perfectly aligns with his vision to promoting economic recovery, social development and driving agricultural growth in the state, adding that his administration has successfully implemented various initiatives under the programme which included support to Community and Social Development projects, Food Security (Fadama) and Micro,Small and Medium Enterprises in the state.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Federal CARES Technical Committee Chairman, Prof Rufai Muhammed explained that NG-CARES Programme aimed at expanding access to livelihood support, food security services and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.
Pix- Key Speakers at the event
Prof Muhammed said Peer Learning event provides a platform for states to share knowledge and experiences in implementing NG-CARES programme, identify best agronomic practices and areas for improvement as well as strengthen partnership among states, federal government and development partners.
Pix: Enugu State Project Coordinator Fadama, Geoffrey Eze making a contribution at the event
Also speaking, Enugu State CARES Steering Committee Chairman and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, went down the memory lane to explain how NG-CARES programme came on board to mitigate the negative effects of COVID 19 pandemic ,especially on the poor and vulnerable households in the society.
Ozongwu noted that Enugu State is one of the states that embraced the programme from its start, and has recorded remarkable outcomes through the provision of micro projects in many communities , providing agricultural inputs and services to farmers in various communities across the 17 LGAs as well as providing support to nano, micro and small enterprises.
Key highlights of the event included: presentation on successful NG-CARES intervention, panel discussions on addressing common challenges, experience sharing sessions with participants among others things.
Author- Maureen Ikpeama