By Caroline Erowofiuna
Ahead of the commencement of
implementation of the Nigeria
Community Action for Resilience
and Economic Stimulus
(NG-CARES) Programme 2.0 under
the Additional Financing window of
the World Bank, the Kogi State
Community and Social
Development Agency (KGCSDA)
has commenced a two-day
capacity-building training for
members of Local Government
Review Committees (LGRCs) and
Desk Officers from relevant
Ministries, Departments and
Agencies (MDAs) across the state.
The training, holding in Okene, was
organized under the NG-CARES
framework to strengthen the
technical, institutional and
operational capacities of
participants for effective
implementation, review and
oversight of Community
Development Plans (CDPs) and
Group Development Plans (GDPs).
The initiative is designed to ensure
that stakeholders at the local
government level clearly
understand their roles and
responsibilities in delivering
transparent, inclusive and
results-oriented interventions in
line with programme guidelines
and Kogi State’s development
priorities.
Participants will receive a
comprehensive introduction to
NG-CARES, including its objectives,
components and implementation
arrangements. The sessions will
guide them through the CDP/GDP
project cycle, review processes,
participatory monitoring and
evaluation, as well as financial
management and budgeting
requirements.
Special emphasis will be placed on
environmental and social
safeguards, gender mainstreaming
and the inclusion of vulnerable
groups, underscoring the
programme’s commitment to
equity, accountability and
sustainability.
The training featured
interactive presentations and
discussions facilitated by senior
government officials, technical
experts and agency managers.
It would also provide a platform
for dialogue between LGRC
members, desk officers and
implementing units to address
possible operational challenges,
harmonize approaches and share
practical experiences for improved
programme delivery.
According to the General Manager
of the agency, Alhaji
Momoh Dauda, the
commencement of NG-CARES 2.0
would build on the remarkable
successes recorded under
NG-CARES 1.0 in Kogi State. Under
the administration of His
Excellency, Governor Ahmed
Usman Ododo.
Chief Momoh maintained that the
NG-CARES 1.0 had delivered
impactful community-driven
interventions that enhanced
livelihoods, improved access to
basic services, strengthened social
protection mechanisms and
boosted economic resilience
across rural and vulnerable
communities in the state.
“These achievements provide a
strong foundation for NG-CARES
2.0,
” the GM stated, adding that the
additional financing will deepen
and scale up interventions while
consolidating gains already
recorded.
At the end of the training,
participants are expected to be
better equipped to effectively
review and support NG-CARES
interventions at the local
government level, uphold
programme standards and
contribute meaningfully to
improved service delivery,
strengthened community resilience
and sustainable socio-economic
development across Kogi State.
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