Enugu State to Empower 3,000 Rural Residents via NG-CARES Initiative

The Enugu State Government has announced plans to provide assistance to 3,000 beneficiaries in its rural areas through the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

This state-led social intervention initiative is managed by the State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) and is intended to enhance the quality of life at the grassroots level. Its focus areas include ensuring access to water, promoting sanitation, and supporting small-scale businesses, aligning with Governor Peter Mbah's objective of fostering inclusive growth.

Representing Governor Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, stated that the programme is a direct response to current economic challenges affecting households in rural communities. He affirmed the administration's dedication to mitigating hardships and broadening opportunities within these communities.

Professor Onyia further elaborated that the intervention will introduce solar- powered water systems to improve access to clean water, facilitate the construction of sanitary facilities, and offer financial and material aid to boost economic activities. He stressed that community involvement would be crucial in identifying specific needs and ensuring the effective implementation of projects.

Mr. Monday Diamond Ani, the General Manager of CSDA, revealed that thousands of beneficiaries would receive resources to strengthen their income-generating ventures. These resources include Point of Sale (POS) machines and equipment for various trades such as tailoring, hairdressing, and food processing.

Mr. Ani assured that the selection process for beneficiaries would be transparent and data-driven, incorporating input from communities and leveraging the state's social register. He also guaranteed that the programme would be free from political interference and subject to rigorous monitoring to track its utilisation and overall impact.