Niger State Government has flagged.-off the disbursement of N150,000 to 283 beneficiaries for the second phase of Niger state COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) from six local government areas of the state.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago flagged off the funds’ disbursement of the Delivery Linked Indicator 1.3 (DLI 1.3) livelihood grant at the Government House in Minna.
Governor Bago, represented by the Commissioner of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, advised the beneficiaries to use the money wisely to improve their businesses.
“I want to advise you to use the money wisely, for the women, the period of buying gold or wrappers to wear for the competition is over and for the men don’t use the money to marry a new wife.
“Use the money to expand the current businesses you are doing to come up with good results as you were taught during your two-week training to improve your livelihood,” he said.
Earlier, Head of Unit Niger State Cash Transfer Unit, Malam Hussaini Kpange, explained that NG-CARES was an emergency intervention designed to restore the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the three components of NG-CARES were result area 1, result area 2 and result area 3 with each sub-component known as a Delivery Linked Indicator (DLIs).
Kpange said the livelihood grant sub-component of result area 1, offers soft skills training and one-of grant payment of N150,000 to one productive household member to improve their existing businesses.
Also, the Focal Person and Special Adviser to Governor Umaru Bago on National Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajiya Hauwa Bako, urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives and communities.
Commissioner, Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Alhaji Suleiman Yumu, represented by the Permanent Secretary Hajiya Mairo Mann, advised the beneficiaries to use the fund to improve their lives.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Shiru, said the 246 beneficiaries were from Agaie, Bida, Kontagora, Suleja and Chanchaga local government areas respectively.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with the newsmen while appreciating the Federal and state governments, Umi Attahiru and Musa Jato, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umaru Bago for their concerns for the less privileged and for ensuring the sustenance of the programme.
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