A total of 573,429 farmers and entrepreneurs have been been empowered by the Gombe State Government under the 4th phase of the GO-CARES programme.
The programme was officially flagged off by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in another major step towards alleviating poverty and supporting the state’s vulnerable populations.
The Governor, while inaugurating the disbursement in Akko community of Akko Local Government Area, restated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable citizens in the state.
He was represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, who is also the Chairman of the Steering Committee on GO- CARES implementation.
He pointed out that, “the 4th phase of GO-CARES will directly and indirectly impact a total of 573,429 people across the state. Of these, 152,429 individuals will benefit directly through cash transfers, livelihood grants, agricultural inputs, and operational grants to small businesses.”
The Governor added that, “421,000 people will be indirect beneficiaries through infrastructural projects such as classroom blocks, healthcare facilities, WASH services, and rural infrastructure projects like culverts and drainages”.
Inuwa Yahaya, through his representative, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the state’s most vulnerable citizens are not left behind in the state’s development.
According to him, “Earlier this year, on June 25, 2024, we flagged off the distribution of improved seedlings, fertilizers, and herbicides to less privileged farmers in Malam Sidi, Kwami Local Government Area, signaling the commencement of the 4th phase implementation of GO-CARES under Result Area 2”.
The Governor reiterated that these initiatives have had a significant impact on the livelihoods of beneficiaries and the overall agricultural sector.
He explained that, “Today’s ceremony marked the simultaneous launch of activities under all three GO-CARES Result Areas for the 4th phase. These areas include: State Cash Transfer Grants: 2,500 direct beneficiaries
Labour Intensive Public Works: 2,700 direct beneficiaries Livelihood Grants: 10,000 direct beneficiaries
Basic Services: 405,000 indirect beneficiaries.”
Also, Agricultural Inputs and Services: 125,729 direct beneficiaries, Rural Infrastructure: 16,000 indirect beneficiaries, Agricultural Assets: 9,000 direct beneficiaries, Operational Grants to Nano, Micro, and Small Businesses: 1,300 direct beneficiaries, IT Enhancement Grants for ICT Enterprises: 700 direct beneficiaries.
The Governor emphasised that the goal of these interventions is to accelerate the economic development of Gombe State by supporting small enterprises, enhancing IT penetration, and improving agricultural productivity.
“In addition, 305 communities across the 11 LGAs would benefit from the community development projects like classroom blocks, health care facilities, WASH facilities under Basic Services and construction or rehabilitation of earth dams, culvert and drainages under the Rural Infrastructure component of the programme,” he added.
He then called on beneficiaries to make the most of the support they have received, stressing that the effective use of these resources will significantly reduce poverty and contribute to the overall prosperity of the state.
The Emir of Gona, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam thanked and commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for always supporting the poor and vulnerable, adding that with such support, more persons would be empowered out of poverty.
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