According to news sources, the World Bank and Nigeria’s Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) have called for the adoption of technology by state governments as an effective strategy to combat poverty and address climate-related disasters and economic instability.
This recommendation was made during the fifth Zonal Peer Learning and Experience Sharing Programme of NG-CARES in Ondo State, South-West Nigeria.
According to the World Bank and NG-CARES, these strategies can revitalize nano, micro, and small enterprises through technology adoption, thereby fostering economic recovery and sustainability.
This involves implementing innovative approaches to social transfers, public workfare, livelihoods, and basic services, as well as enhancing agricultural support and infrastructure through the provision of inputs and the adoption of climate-smart technologies.
Additionally, they highlighted the need for effective and equitable disbursement of livelihood grants to beneficiaries and the provision of basic services to support poor and vulnerable communities.
The NG-CARES program is an initiative aimed at mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations. Speaking at the workshop, the NG-CARES National Coordinator, Mr. Abdulkarim Obaje, stated that over nine million Nigerians have benefited from the program. He expressed optimism that the initiative is poised to eradicate poverty and transform lives across the country.
Obaje said that the NG-CARES program has helped over 9 million people. The program aims to reduce poverty in Nigeria and has been improved to reach more people.
State governors have asked for more money from the World Bank, which has been approved. Obaje said that they are visiting different states to learn about the program’s success and share ideas.
Obaje commended state governments for spending over N150 billion on the program. He added that the initiative is now more focused on supporting communities and individuals affected by flood disasters across the country.
Given the successes recorded through NG-CARES, which supported the economic recovery of communities, families, and individuals in the aftermath of COVID-19, it became necessary to shift focus to assisting victims of flooding and other natural disasters.
The NG-CARES Task Team Leader for the World Bank, Mr. Lire Ersado, said the World Bank had spent $750 million on the program. He noted that the second phase would receive an additional $500 million from the World Bank.
Represented by the former World Bank Lead, Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, Ersado described the first phase of the program as a success, which is set to conclude in December.
“This NG-CARES program has helped many farmers increase their production and assisted numerous businesses in recovering from setbacks. It has had a significant impact on people’s lives,” Ersado affirmed.
“For the second phase, the World Bank will provide $500 million, while the states will contribute almost an equivalent amount to support the program. The states are using very objective measures to identify beneficiaries. Furthermore, efforts have been made to ensure the program is not hijacked by political interests,” he added.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Emmanuel Igbasan, said that NG-CARES has been very successful compared to other World Bank programs in Nigeria. However, he said it needs to be even better.
He asked the federal government and state governors to keep working with the World Bank to make sure NG-CARES continues.The commissioner said that NG-CARES is a good opportunity for Nigeria to use technology to help people who are poor and hungry.
This can be done by using digital solutions to improve things like efficiency, transparency, and access to services.
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