The Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU) of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action, Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) has commended Plateau State for its exceptional implementation of the NG-CARES Program. The program aims to expand access to livelihood support, food security services, and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.
Ekom Umoren, representing the FCSU, expressed this commendation during a routine monitoring visit to Plateau State on Friday, June 28, 2024. The visit included assessments of the Plateau State Government Community and Social Development Agency (PLCSDA), FADAMA, and the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA).
While advising on certain practices Umoren said “Plateau State has made significant strides, moving from one of the bottom three states in NG-CARES implementation to being among the top three in Nigeria.” He praised the state government’s efforts and support in achieving this remarkable progress.
Dr. Haggai Gutap, Technical Head of NG-CARES in Plateau State, welcomed the FCSU team and acknowledged the federal support and technical assistance that had been instrumental in their success. Dr. Gutap led the team to various project sites, including a barber shop and an IT business benefiting from livelihood support funds. They also visited a construction site for simple access roads in Jos South LGA, part of a larger project across 30 rural areas in the state’s 17 local government areas.
“The support from the state government has been crucial in making Plateau a leading state in the NG-CARES program,” Dr. Gutap stated.
Commissioner of Finance for Plateau State, Mrs. Grace Shwarta Dongkum, also hosted the FCSU team in her office. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Roselyn Kefas Dapar, the Commissioner expressed gratitude for the federal support and highlighted Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to expanding access to livelihood support and food security services.
“Our elevation to the third position on the NG-CARES program is a testament to our dedication and the governor’s passion for supporting poor and vulnerable households and firms,” Mrs. Dongkum said. She emphasized that Plateau State would continue to build on this success by increasing the workforce and enhancing program implementation efforts.
The visit by the FCSU team underscores the collaborative effort between federal and state agencies in ensuring the success of the NG-CARES program, ultimately fostering a more resilient and inclusive economy in Plateau State.
