Edo State Government has approved the execution of micro-infrastructure projects in 16 communities drawn from 11 local councils in the state.
The projects are to be financed by the state through the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme (NG CARES) in Edo State.
Edo State Coordinator, Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) and Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Ifueko Alufohai, disclosed this to journalists in Benin City after presenting the awards for the execution of the projects to the communities.
Alufohai said Edo State is delighted to be rendering support to communities and vulnerable groups in the wake of the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is now in its third wave.
According to her, “We are gathered here today to provide support at the community level, especially for the poorest communities in selected LGAs through micro-infrastructure projects in the sectors of health, education, nutrition, water and sanitation being implemented by the Community and Social Development Agency.
“The NG-CARES domesticated in Edo State and codenamed Edo-CARES Programme is an Emergency Relief World Bank Funded Programme set up to ameliorate the adverse effect of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
“The programme is focused on increasing cash transfers and livelihood support to the poor and vulnerable households; increase food security and safe functioning of food supply chains and prevent collapse/facilitating the recovery of households/micro-enterprises.”
She added, “The programme aligns with this administration’s drive to protect livelihoods while dealing with the fallouts of the pandemic and has come at a time, when the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is destabilizing the living conditions of various households and the government’s economy.”
“I urge the benefitting communities and members of these communities to apply themselves dutifully to their assigned roles so as to make the maximum benefit from the intervention.”
On his part, the Director-General of Edo CSDA, Engr. Osarume Osazuwa said, “These Communities have satisfied all requirements of community-driven development as stipulated in our general operations manual and have been trained to implement their respective micro-projects.”
Also, His Royal Highness (HRH) Anthony Osagie, the Enogie of Ofumegbe in Oredo local council commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for the initiative which allows communities to own and execute their projects.
He said, “This is a great experience; it has never happened like this before in Edo State. The governor is working and we all can see the great job he has been doing for Edo people.”
PHOTO CAPTION
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Front row: Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (6th left); Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun (6th right); Edo State Coordinator, Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) and Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs.Eire Ifueko Alufohai, (5th right), with other government officials and representatives of benefitting communities of the micro-infrastructure projects, during the presentation of letter of awards to the communities, at the Government House, Benin City.
