The Lagos State Government has Sensitized over 1,716 Lagosians across the 20 Local Government Area in Lagos State on the benefits of the NG CARES initiative, designed to make them to be gainfully employed and to alleviate poverty in the State.
This was revealed on Thursday 25th January, 2024,during the One Day Sensitization Exercise Of the Beneficiaries of NG-CARES LABOUR INTENSIVE PUBLIC WORKFARE (LIPW) DLI 1.2 Held At Adeyemi Bero Auditorium , Alausa secretariat, IKEJA,organised by the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
Speaking at the sensitization exercise, the Special Adviser, SDGs, Dr. OREOLUWA FINNIH expressed his great pleasure to be among every participant, at the momentous occasion,and marking a significant step forward in government collective efforts, towards building a stronger and more resilient community.
Under the unwavering commitment of this administration to shared prosperity, the NG-CARES social impact initiative has become one of the driving forces in realizing the vision of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, standing as a testament to our dedication to alleviating poverty and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Having taken cognizance of the challenges that many of our people in the grassroots contend with, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government, committed to addressing their needs and fostering a path to recovery, rolled out the NG-CARES Programme that we are all part of today.
Designed as a support system by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement and breaking the cycle of poverty, the NG-CARES emerges as a transformative force, serving as a catalyst for empowerment that addresses not only immediate needs but also creates a pathway for sustained prosperity.
I am glad to inform you that this transformative initiative which the Office of SDGs is midwifing has achieved a significant milestone, graduating over 1,700 beneficiaries from the scheme.
The inclusion of this new set of beneficiaries is a testament to the program’s scalability and its potential to reach an even larger audience. This expansion reflects our dedication to inclusivity and our firm belief that the benefits of sustainable development should be extended to as many individuals as possible.
It is crucial to emphasize that the Labour Intensive Public Workfare of the NG-CARES programme transcends mere employment; it’s about instilling a sense of purpose and pride, promoting a spirit of community service, and underlining the significance of contributing to the greater good.
This initiative goes beyond providing jobs; it encompasses skill development and community building, serving as a helping hand to those in need and cultivating a sense of dignity and self-reliance. And just as the Sustainable development Goals envisions a future where no one is left behind, the initiative is creating an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
In his expression, he said, the essence of today’s sensitization exercise is to further enlighten our beneficiaries about the myriad opportunities and benefits associated with their participation in the program. It is crucial that each beneficiary understands the profound impact they can make not only in their own lives but also in the larger community through their involvement in the NG-CARES initiative.
While we examine the critical impact of this initiative in the lives of our beneficiaries, we must acknowledge the hard work and dedication of every one of them. Each beneficiary is a testament to the strength of our community and the determination of individuals to overcome challenges.
As beneficiaries, you are not just workers; you are integral members of a larger community working towards a common goal. We believe in your ability to make a positive impact. Your commitment to self-improvement and community betterment is commendable and serves as an inspiration to us all.
He explained, that this program is committed to continuous improvement because, as a government institution and purveyor of sustainable development, building a future filled with opportunities for all remains at the forefront of our mission.
Therefore, he encouraged other beneficiaries to not only see this as a job, but as an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the overall development of your communities.
As we continue to navigate emerging challenges in our daily endeavour, the government remains steadfast in its dedication to the well-being of every Lagosians, laying the groundwork for lasting positive change in the lives of our people at the grassroots level.
The Special Adviser, acknowledged and appreciated the remarkable effort of other MDAs, that are partnering with SDG in this journey, and for the support we have received from our Local Government and Local Council Development Association and other community leaders, who also are identified with the project .
He said, let us continue to move forward on this journey of empowerment and progress.
.The Permanent Secretary,SDGs,Lagos, Mrs. Tolani Oshodi represented by Mrs. Hunpe Mary Sedomo disclosed the programme as it was designed, that
COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Program is a state-level intervention aimed at alleviating the local effects of the pandemic by safeguarding the livelihoods of both existing and newly vulnerable households, and by promoting the recovery of local economic activities, especially among MSMEs.
Also,she noted the Office of Sustainable Development Goals as designated to midwife, which the Labour-Intensive Public Workfare of this programme has rolled out this project over a year ago, across all 57 Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) of the state, targeting identified vulnerable individuals.
This delivery platform plays a pivotal role in the overall implementation of the NG-CARE project. While she said, It is designed to significantly enhance the socio-economic well-being of vulnerable members of our society and alleviate their challenges.
About the Beneficiaries :
Our beneficiaries are predominantly unemployed and unskilled youth and women hailing from vulnerable households, aged between 18 and 45 years, with an educational qualification of Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or below.
She described the primary objective as to provide immediate employment opportunities in social sectors, thereby addressing the emergency constraints caused by the loss of labor income in poor and vulnerable households due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her welcome Address, she said, Over the past year, this program has achieved significant milestones, evident through the numerous success stories of our beneficiaries.
We have graduated 1,716 beneficiaries from various communities, working with organizations like LAWMA, Public Works, Ministry of Transportation, LASPARK, Primary Health Care, and other intervention agencies.
Beyond the regular stipends received as beneficiaries, this program is equally playing a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of participating youth and women, particularly in social services and infrastructure. She explained.
To further ensure that no one is left behind in this programme or stop it’s continuity, we have enrolled another set of over 1,700 beneficiaries into the scheme, after graduating the first set of beneficiaries some months back. She enlightened.
The enrollment of these new beneficiaries into the Labour-Intensive Public Workforce is an essential step to extend the benefits of this social intervention and involve more vulnerable Lagosians in the project.
Therefore, the sensitization and engagement with these new beneficiaries are crucial to identify their unique needs and support areas, to ensure that they carry out the assignments with all sense of responsibility and modesty.
She buttressed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is responsive to the necessities of the people and we are dedicated to providing opportunities to achieve a state of well-being and socially acceptable standards of living for all our citizens.
While this administration continues to collaborate with both public and private sector partners to deliver good governance to our citizens, we believe that interventions like this are pivotal in building a more productive society.
However, she implored the beneficiaries/Volunteer Personnel to embrace the belief that ‘There is dignity in labor. ” It is of utmost importance that you execute your assigned duties diligently, and collaborate with your supervisors and host communities to ensure the success of this strategic program”.
She stated, that the primary objective of this intervention revolves around your welfare. We encourage each of you to leverage the opportunities and benefits provided by this initiative to enhance your standard of living and make a significant contribution to the development of our great state.
The Permanent Secretary urged the beneficiaries to pay close attention to all that will be discussed at the programme, which will help you understand your responsibilities and the rewards associated with this initiative as you continue in this noble endeavor.She extended her deepest appreciation to the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the Local Government and Local Council Authorities, and all other stakeholders who have embraced this initiative and partnered with us to achieve the objectives of this program.
The P. S of the State Accountant General, represented by Mrs. Rashidat Saliu congratulated the beneficiaries in an attendance, and shared her love among all.
She thereby urged every participant to be deligent in their designated duties, and ensure that they complete their documentation adequately including the Bank details so as to speed their payments and rewards without delay.
The Project Lawyers, Mrs. Afolake Onayinka urged the participants to stay watchful and observe every Dos and Donts in the cause of their duties.
Saying, they have all rights to report to her any of their payment difficulties, for their personal counselling and proper redress, by calling her at anytime on the mobile number 09021708107.
The Project Gender Officer, Mrs. Oni Tumininu offered them in her address, the grace of calling her also to report to her any issue of Domestic/Sexual Violence on time, to avoid accidents of sudden death occurrence, at number 08061179247 & 08000333333.
The General Manager of LAWMA, Gbadegesin, represented by the Director of the Special Duties, Mr. Kemi Sulaimon urged the beneficiaries to be of good cheers, especially those who will be deployed to LAWMA, and cautioned them never to patronize Styrofoam anywhere, because it is dangerous to the human health and its environment.
And that the new duty is beneficial to all as they can gain a lasting benefits in the area of Recyclings if they are deligent and work with their whole hearts because there is no knowledge that is a waste. He said.
He described, how some people had been so involved in doing Recycling job for 2 to 3 weeks, and ended up using Tyres to make a lot of wonderful things in the same process and have a success stories today through feeding and earning multiple incomes in it.
Therefore, he advised all to subscribe into one of the circular economy chains without any relunctancy.
The State Coordinator of NG-CARES Unit, Mr. Basit Baruwa said also that the programme is designed to engage the participants to gain more exposure, from all the Local Government and LCDAs in Lagos State, for one year, and it promotes their understanding and savings as well, as long as they are dedicated to their designated duties. And when they make sure they are able to establish the right performance to achieve a good result.
Gbenga Adewale
