Gov. Bello Flags-off KG-CARES Result Area 3 Zonal Sensitisation »

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by the MD/CEO, Kogi Enterprise Development Agency, Hajiya Rekiya Onaivo has flagged-off the Kogi-CARES (COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus) Result Area 3 zonal sensitization across the three senatorial districts from 9th – 12th May, 2022.

The zonal sensitization took place in Anyigba, Kabba and Okene respectively, with relevant stakeholders fully represented.

The sensitization created massive awareness about the KG-CARES project and intimated the business communities about the processes and criteria.

KG-CARES (COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus) Result Area 3 is a state-level intervention that seeks to mitigate the local effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kogi State by supporting the recovery of local economic activities among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).

Declaring the sensitization open, the Secretary to the State government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade (PhD), who was represented by her Senior Special Adviser on Administrative matters, Mr Ephraim Amurawiaye noted that, the aim of the sensitization is to bring state-wide awareness of the World Bank program that will help Micro and Small Businesses stay in business.

During the sensitization in Kabba, Kogi State, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Olofu Yunusa Gabriel, in his opening remarks, lauded the KEDA boss, Hajiya Rekiya Onaivo Sanni for her tenacity towards ensuring that SMEs in the state gets the required support for their businesses. Honourable Olofu Yunusa Gabriel reiterated the government’s commitment towards ensuring that businesses that were adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic are resuscitated.

In their separate remarks, the State Cares Coordinating Unit head(SCCU), Mr Sanni Haruna alongside his colleague, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Pastor Ezekiel Shaibu noted that, the p? Result Area 3 is an emergency response for businesses impacted by the pandemic and ensure their continuity.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Buba commended the Management of KEDA in Anyigba, Kogi State for the grassroots sensitization. This, she noted would help to capture more beneficiaries to achieve desired goal.

The KEDA boss, Hajiya Rekiya Onaivo Sanni called on women, youths and People Living with Disabilities(PWD), to take advantage of this opportunity and access to the grants. She explained that beneficiaries would be verified by independent agents to ascertain whether or not they’re qualified.

She advised prospective beneficiaries to ensure that the information provided are authentic to avoid being disqualified from the KG-CARES project.

Hajiya Rekiya urged participants be wary of all forms of fraudulent activities and report such to KEDA, reiterating that KEDA will not demand any form of payment to register beneficiaries.

High point of the event was the handing over of the Greivance boxes to the vice Chairpersons of the 21 Local Government Areas for grievance Redress purposes. Prospective beneficiaries are highly encouraged to drop their complaints and grievances, as this will be handled appropriately.

Meanwhile the Ohi of Okene, Alh. Isah Mamman, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi Owoyomade1, HRH Ogohi Onu Anyigba, Alh. Abu Shaibu Okolo, Ohi of Okengwen, Obobayi Ihima, Prince Fuad Ado-Ibrahim, Onu of Ankpa Alh. Abdulmalik Umar, urged project managers to ensure that the funds are managed appropriately.

In attendance were; the Ejeh of Dekina, his Royal Highness, Alh. Usman Obaje, LGA representatives; vice Chairpersons of the 21 LGAs.

Others are, trade unions, artisans, persons living with disabilities amongst others.

Participants were drawn from the 21 LGAs of the State.

Yemi Balogun