The National Coordinator of Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), Mr Abdulkarim Obaje says the initiative is now more focused and committed towards supporting and rebuilding communities and individuals that experienced flood disaster across the country.
Our Correspondent reports that increase in the waves of environmental hazards across the nation, particularly in the form flooding, compelled NG-CARES authorities to shift focus from POST COVID-19 intervention to pre and post flood intervened to support livelihoods of victims and communities.
The National Coordinator who was speaking at the North-East Peer Learning and Experience Sharing meeting held at the Command Guest House, Bauchi Thursday, said considering the successes recorded through the implementation of the NG-CARES which supported the economic resurgence of communities, families and individuals in the aftermath of COVID-19, it became necessary to shift focus to supporting victims of flooding and other natural disasters.
Obaje decried that waves of floods recorded this year in the country, particularly the Borno incident, caused destructions to public and private property and infrastructure, hence the need for a special intervention package to support victims.
The Coordinator noted that since, 2023 NG-CARES has been supporting victims of floods and other environmental shocks in Nigeria
Mr Obaje said from 2021 to 2024, the NG-CARES with support from the World Bank has spent about $750 million where over 9 people benefited from the scheme across the 36 states of the federation and FCT.
He commended the support of federal government and Nigeria Governor’s Forum through timely release of counterpart funding.
Speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed who was represented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Madugu Yalams, assured commitment of his administration to continue supporting activities of NG-CARES in the state.
The Governor said funds disbursed to the state through the programme would be judiciously used in the area of agriculture, livelihoods support and conditional cash transfer for the benefit of the citizens.
Governor Mohammed also emphasised on the need for other Northeast states to remain committed to the ideals of NG-CARES to drive socio-economic recovery and growth in the sub region. END
