Yomi Durojaye
2,680 Business owners have benefitted from the NG-CARES (Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus) under the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment which is aimed at alleviating the status of residents who are adversely affected by the pandemic.
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LAGOS MINISTRY EMPOWERS 2,680 BUSINESS OWNERS WITH CASH GRANTS |
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe disclosed this during an interactive session held today, at the Academy Hotel and Suites Agidingbi, Ikeja, with NG-CARES beneficiaries of Lagos Cares Social Transfer delivery platform from LG/LCDAs in Lagos State.
While congratulating the beneficiaries, Hon. Ajigbotafe reiterated that the pandemic did not just affect the health of residents but also disrupted livelihoods, businesses and the daily survival of millions of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
He emphasised that, in a swift response, the NG-CARES programme was part of social inclusion to restore businesses for recovery from challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ajigbotafe stated that one of the most commendable aspects of NG-CARES is that, it is performance-based and driven by the States Governments in Nigeria to ensure that, support reaches communities faster, more directly, and more efficiently.
He stated that the importance of the programme is to gather feedback and address concerns regarding the implementation and impact on the citizens.
The NG-Cares programme focuses on a more equitable distribution to under-serve populations categorized under targeted vulnerability profiles, namely: Aged, Chronically ill, People with Disability and Urban poor.
He implored beneficiaries to utilize the grant by investing in their businesses as tradesmen and he used the opportunity to state that, the state Government is preparing to onboard 5,500 beneficiaries in the next phase of the project.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment ESV. Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu reiterated that the session is a reflection and renewal of the State Government’s commitment to ensure that no one is left out of the THEMES Development Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s Administration.
The event was well attended by partners from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, representatives from Local Governments/Local council development Areas, and Directors in the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment amongst others.
