Niger admonishes judicious use as NG-CARES disburses grants to 283 beneficiaries

….Niger admonishes judicious use as NG-CARES disburses grants to 283 beneficiaries

Each of 283 beneficiaries of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in Niger got N150,000 grant on Thursday in Minna.

NG-CARES aims to support the government in responding to the COVID‐19 crisis by restoring the livelihoods and food security of poor and vulnerable households.

Anchored in the Economic Sustainability Plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria, NG-CARES also aims at promoting recovery of medium and small-scale enterprises.

Thursday’s beneficiaries were drawn from Agaie, Bida, Kontagora, Suleja and Chanchaga local government areas of Niger for the second phase of the disbursement of the grant.

Commissioner for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, launched the second phase on behalf of Gov. Umaru Bago

She advised the beneficiaries to use the grants judiciously.

“I advise you to use the money wisely. For the women, this is not the time to buy gold or wrappers to wear for competition; and for the men, do not use the money to marry new wives.

“Government wants you to use the money to expand your current businesses and to come up with good results as you were taught during your two-week training to improve your livelihood,’’ she said.

Earlier, Malam Hussaini Kpange, Head of Niger State Cash Transfer Unit of NG-CARES said the scheme is an emergency intervention designed to restore the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable affected by the COVID-19.

He explained that the scheme had three target areas with each having sub-components known as Delivery Linked Indicator.

Kpange said the livelihood grant sub-component of the first target area offers soft skills training and one-off grant payment of N150,000 to a productive household member to improve their existing businesses.

In her remarks, Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Focal Person and Special Adviser to Gov. Bago on National Social Investments Programme, urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives and communities.

Two of the beneficiaries, Umi Attahiru and Musa Jato, appreciated President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Bago for their concern for the less privileged and pleaded for the sustenance of the programme. (NAN)

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….Niger admonishes judicious use as NG-CARES disburses grants to 283 beneficiaries