in it’s determination to boost livelihoods, agriculture, and community infrastructure, Enugu State Government on Friday, expanded its social protection drive with the launch of Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus( NG-CARES) Operation 2.0, after supporting over 500,000 individuals and 10,000 businesses since 2022.
The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Chris-Robert Ozongwu, who disclosed this during the launch, said the state’s social investment programme has recorded significant impact, reaching hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses across multiple sectors.
Ozongwu described the initiative as a transformative intervention aimed at cushioning economic challenges and reducing poverty among vulnerable populations.
Ozongwu
He disclosed that the first phase of the programme facilitated the execution of over 217 community micro-projects, while also supporting thousands of farmers with agricultural inputs and equipment to improve productivity and food security.
According to him, the second phase of the programme will scale up interventions in critical areas such as water supply, sanitation, and agriculture. This includes plans to deploy solar-powered water systems to more than 100 communities and construct public sanitation facilities in 127 communities.
“We have seen communities light up, not just with solar-powered water systems, but with renewed hope.,” he said.
Ozongwu further revealed that over 8,000 farmers are set to benefit from agricultural inputs under the current phase, with an additional 12,000 expected to be captured, alongside the expansion of a comprehensive social register covering more than 250,000 households to ensure targeted and transparent support deliver
“Farmers are harvesting more, earning more and feeding their families better, while small businesses have survived economic shocks.”
“These are not just numbers; they represent real improvements in the lives of our people, especially the poor and vulnerable, ”the Commissioner said
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as people-focused leadership, and also acknowledged the support of the World Bank and other development partners.
Ozongwu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive growth, stressing that no deserving resident would be left behind in the pursuit of sustainable prosperity
