Gov. Mbah launches NG-CARES 2.0 to empower 3,000 residents

By Ejire Folakunmi

The Enugu State Government has unveiled the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Operation 2.0, an intervention programme aimed at empowering no fewer than 3,000 rural dwellers. The programme is organised by the State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA).

The initiative is designed to sensitise stakeholders on the implementation of NG-CARES Operation 2.0, focusing on water, sanitation, and livelihood grants. Unveiling the project, Gov. Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described it as a landmark collaboration between the federal and state governments to address grassroots economic challenges.

According to him, the initiative comes at a critical time when inflation is impacting rural communities. “This programme is a testament to what can be achieved when different tiers of government align their vision,” he said.

Gov. Mbah noted that the project is structured around three pillars: potable water, improved sanitation, and livelihood support. The water component will expand solar-powered schemes to reduce water-borne diseases, while the sanitation arm will focus on modern toilet facilities. For livelihood support, the programme will provide grants to vulnerable individuals based on verified data.

The GM/CEO of CSDA, Monday-Diamond Ani, stated that the programme will distribute empowerment tools, including 2,480 Point of Sale (POS) machines and 520 vocational tools such as sewing, grinding, and hairdressing machines.

Ani explained that beneficiaries will be selected from those aged 18 and above, focusing on vulnerable individuals identified through the state social register. He emphasised that the process will be apolitical, with an independent committee verifying beneficiaries to prevent favoritism.