AK-CARES Commences Disbursement Of Livelihood Support Grants: Trains Beneficiaries
Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the disbursement of One hundred thousand naira (#100,000.00) to each beneficiary of the Livelihood Support Grants. Four hundred and one (401) beneficiaries across the State are benefiting from the grant. The disbursement is from Akwa Ibom State Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES) Programme.
The state government through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), a Delivery Platform for DLI 1.3, disclosed this during a one-day training for beneficiaries on Friday 4th November, 2022 at E3 Event Center, Uyo Village Road, Uyo.
In his keynote address to the beneficiaries, the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Development, and Chairman State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Emem Bob reiterated that the AK-CARES is an emergency operation designed to support budgeted programme of expenditure, and intervention at the State level, targeting existing and emerging vulnerable and poor households, agriculture value chains, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. Bob thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for giving approval for the disbursement to beneficiaries of the Livelihood Support Grants.
He also acknowledged the contributions and efforts of all members of the State CARES Steering Committee in ensuring the implementation of the programme in the State.
The Commissioner seized the opportunity to commend the Federal Government and the World Bank for coming up with this peoples centred programme that addresses the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the citizens.
He urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the training, to effectively improve their well-being and livelihood, as he declared open the Soft Skill Development Training for the beneficiaries on Livelihood Support Grants in Akwa Ibom State.
On his part, the General Manager, Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development, Mr. Ishmael Akpan, in his welcome address said the training is organized to provide soft-skill and one-off payment to beneficiaries of the Livelihood Grants.
The GM stated that the overall objective of the programme is to ensure that beneficiaries make prudent and judicious use of the resources given to them, for the development of their respective Enterprises, Skills and Trade.
Mr. Akpan commended the Federal Government and the World Bank for partnering with the State Government through the AK-CARES Programme. He expressed appreciation to the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his enduring drive in the transformation of rural communities, and Human Capital Development projects that touched the poorest of the poor in the State.
He also thanked the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Development, for his support towards the success of the event.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mrs. Enobong Mbobo, Representative of Globus Bank (the Payment Service Provider) Nsikan Essien Netima, Representative of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Uyo, Mr. Ayi Asuquo, commended the partners of the programme and the State Government, for their efforts aimed at improving the living standard of the people.
High point of the event was the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries by the Commissioner, Mr. Emem Bob.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Imaobong Udoh, thanked all the Stakeholders for enhancing the quality of their livelihoods, and also making the disbursement to become a reality.
Present at the event were: The Head, AK-CARES Coordinating Unit, Mrs Enobong Okpongkpong, and members of her Unit, The State Coordinator of NEWMAP, Dr. Ubong Harrison, and staff of CSDA.
Information Unit
Ministry of Economic Development
04/11/22
