A’Ibom trains chairmen, others to begin Nigeria Covid-19 on NG- CARES

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom Government has begun training of chairmen, vice chairmen and other stakeholders in the state on capacity building in preparation to kick start the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG- CARES) programme.

Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon, who declared the sensitisation workshop opened on Tuesday in Uyo said the programme would ameliorate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the people.

Okon said that the World Bank assisted NG-CARES Programme would provide financial support to the State to increase cash transfers and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households.

He added that the programme would also work to ensure increasing food security and safe functioning of food supply chains for poor households in the state.

Okon, who is also the Chairman of Akwa Ibom NG-CARES Steering Committee said the programme was designed to prevent collapse and facilitate the recovery of household’s micro enterprises.

“To ensure the realisation of the above for the overall wellbeing of all in Akwa Ibom State, there is the need to sensitise, build the capacity of our stakeholders, for all to be on the same page, for a long and enviable partnership.

“You are the principal collaborators to drive the NG-CARES down to grassroots,” Okon said.

Okon urged participants to see each project coming to their community as people driven and must be based on community needs to avoid wastage.

The commissioner commended the Federal Government for setting pace and appreciated the World Bank for the support.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr Ishmael Akpan, General Manager, Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development Project (CSDP), said the agency has strategically positioned itself to provide basic services and support to the poor through NG-CARES. porogramne.

Akpan said the sensitisation workshop was to build capacity of stakeholders to partner the agency on the implementation of NG-CARES Programme as principal drivers of development in rural communities.

He said the programme would expand access to livelihood support and food security services, grants for poor, vulnerable households and firms.