Connect with us

News

NG-CARES Phase 2 to empower vulnerable Nigerians

Published

on

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has assured that the second phase of the NG-CARES programme will deliver value to empower vulnerable Nigerians.

Obi made the pledge on Saturday in Lagos, where he opened the Appraisal Meeting for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, Additional Financing (AF).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress of the NG-CARES Programme’s implementation and ensure its continued success.

It also provided an opportunity for the federal government and states to engage with the World Bank regarding the $500 million USD credit for the second phase.

The World Bank-supported initiative aims to provide livelihood support, food security services, and grants to mitigate economic shocks affecting vulnerable communities.

The Permanent Secretary stated that his ministry had identified areas for improvement following the four-year implementation of the first phase, ensuring sustainable results in the second phase.

Obi stressed that the government would focus on the sustainability of the intervention and strengthen both institutional and human resources to ensure an effective shock response system.

“A successful NG-CARES Programme will enable the poor across Nigeria to feel the impact of government efforts at all levels,” Obi added.

He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring the sustainability of the NG-CARES programme for the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.

The Permanent Secretary pledged the Federal Government’s collaboration with states, local governments, and the World Bank to ensure effective programme implementation.

“My duty as the PS is to identify obstacles and remove them,” Obi remarked during the meeting.

ALSO READ:  Floods hit Maiduguri zoo, animals suddenly break free

He noted that the NG-CARES Programme had achieved tangible results, valued at over one billion dollars, benefiting about 16 million poor Nigerians.

Obi emphasised the need to build on the current phase’s successes, expanding the programme’s impact to improve the socioeconomic conditions of vulnerable Nigerians.

Dr Lire Ersado, Task Team Leader for NG-CARES at the World Bank, outlined the objectives of NG-CARES 2.0 in a detailed presentation.

Ersado highlighted flaws in the first phase, labelled 1.0, and provided updates on the second phase, including key design parameters, timelines, and eligibility criteria.

He also discussed allocation issues and advised states and other partners on proper implementation, offering continued technical support for a clean social register.

Ersado, alongside other speakers, highlighted how the requirement of the National Identification Number (NIN) had slowed registration completion and cash transfers.

Abdulkarim Obaje, National Coordinator of the Federal CARES Support Unit, explained that NG-CARES resources would be used to expand and update the social register.

Obaje clarified that NG-CARES 2.0 is a three-year programme running from 2025 to 2027, with implementation contingent on various factors, including approval.

“NG-CARES 1.0 was originally planned as a three-year programme from 2021 to 2023, but has since been extended, now set to close on May 31,” he said.

He noted that more people were understanding the benefits of NG-CARES, with state governments now funding it, knowing they would be reimbursed.

“The programme has directly impacted over 15 million Nigerians, and a total of $645 million has been reimbursed to states,” Obaje said. (NAN)

News

Sokoto Lawmakers Rates Gov. Aliyu High On Project Without Loan

Published

on

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.

Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.

“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.

This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.

Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.

Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.

A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.

The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.

ALSO READ:  Jigawa Govt recruits 300 animal health workers

“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”

He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.

Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.

“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.

“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.

“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.

The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.

Continue Reading

News

Sultan Commends Sokoto Governor, Assures Support 

Published

on

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muahammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has commended the developmental strides of Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, just as he assured of the support of traditional institutions in the state.

Sultan who admonished other governor’s to also borrow a leaf from governor Ahmed Aliyu who ensures that resident communities enjoys equal benefit from everybody, added that, Nigerians should project what unites us moe than that which divides us.

“In Sokoto, we appreciate what the Governor is doing and we’d like to assure him of the support of the traditional institution so that he can continue the good work he’s doing of transforming our State.

“The Governor and our security agencies are doing their best and this has made the state to record tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry,” the Sultan averred.

While adding that  governor Ahmed  Aliyu deserves special commendation for the massive distribution of food items during the just-concluded Ramadan fast, Sultan urged  Nigerians to always be law-abiding and desist from any act that may jeopardise  the long lasting peace the country is enjoying.

Registering his displeasure over how the social media is been used negatively to promote and sow seed o discord, the Sultan said, some unpatriotic citizens  use social media to spread falsehood, misinformation and provocative statements that can  destroy the peaceful atmosphere the country is enjoying.

He, therefore, called on the security agencies in the country to be watchful of the unpatriotic citizens  trying to create chaos in the land.

ALSO READ:  Mandela Month: Honouring The Enduring Legacy Of A Global Icon

Speaking during his
Sallah homage on governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge, Sokoto, Sultan
said, “”In Sokoto all Nigerians are treated as indigenes, an act that gives Nigerians residing in the State a sense of belonging.

Sultan equally  stressed the need for for state governors to give much emphasis in protecting the lives and property of their subjects, describing security as the basis upon which all societies could progress.

Responding, governor Ahmed Aliyu reassured his administration’s determination to do everything humanly possible to make the state safe and secured.

He blamed unemployment especially among the youths as responsible for the insecurity being recorded in many parts of the country.

According to Aliyu, many youths have joined  informants’ groups  so as to be getting stipends to make ends meet.

“This administration has so far trained and graduated thousands of youths and women in different trades so as to make them productive members in the society.

” I want to assure you that we would soon embark on another massive skills acquisition programme to engage more unemployed youths in our modest attempt to reduce restiveness among our youths,” he vowed

Gov. Aliyu further reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue to prioritize Islamic affairs, adding that more Mosques and Islamiyya schools would continue to receive the desired attention from the state government.

He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and support to his administration and called for it’s sustainance.

Continue Reading

News

Sterling Bank Eliminates Transfer Fees, Challenges Industry Standards

Published

on

Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?

On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.

Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”

With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.

“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”

Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.

ALSO READ:  Bauchi State Forms Committee To Expedite Federal Government's Palliative Program

“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”

Continue Reading