Kogi State Government has inaugurated a 13-member Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) 2.0 State Steering Committee (SCSC) to drive the implementation of the intervention programme across the state.
The committee was inaugurated in Lokoja by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, who said the body would provide policy direction and oversight for the NG-CARES 2.0 programme in the state.
NG-CARES is a Federal Government and World Bank-supported initiative introduced to help states restore livelihoods affected by economic hardship, improve food security, and expand access to social services. The programme was launched nationally in January 2022 by former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Speaking during the inauguration, Ayoade said the newly inaugurated committee has a major responsibility to ensure the programme delivers meaningful impact to residents, especially vulnerable groups.
She noted that women remain among the most affected groups in many communities and urged members of the committee to prioritise programmes that would improve their welfare and economic stability.
According to her, the intervention programme covers areas such as social safety nets, livelihood grants, and agricultural value chain support aimed at boosting economic recovery at the grassroots level.
“The careful selection of experienced and competent individuals into the Committee was informed by the need to ensure effective management and successful implementation of the programme in the state,” she said.
The SGS explained that the state government expects transparency, accountability, and proper coordination in the execution of all projects under the NG-CARES 2.0 programme.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabiatu Okute, assured the state government that members would work within the objectives of the programme and ensure prudent management of resources.
She said the committee understands the importance of the intervention programme to residents and pledged full commitment towards achieving the expected results.
“We will ensure strict compliance with the objectives of the programme and deliver on our mandate effectively,” Okute stated.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Ochu Omeiza Philip, said the NG-CARES 2.0 programme would enable the state to access additional financing for the continuation and expansion of intervention projects.
He explained that the inauguration of the State Steering Committee is one of the requirements for accessing the next phase of funding under the programme.
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA.
Other members include key government officials from the ministries of agriculture, women affairs, youth development, rural development, environment, humanitarian affairs, finance, and security agencies, while Mr. Sunday Igoche will serve as Secretary of the committee.
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