NG-CARES Commends Governor Inuwa Yahaya Over Project Implementation

NG-CARES National Coordinator commends Governor Inuwa Yahaya for Exemplary Leadership in Project Implementation

The National Coordinator of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, has applauded Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his exceptional leadership and performance under the NG-CARES Programme.

Dr. Obaje gave this commendation during a three-day step-down training on Grievance Mechanism and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for staff of the State and Local Governments implementing the Gombe CARES (GO-CARES) Programme.

He acknowledged Gombe State’s remarkable achievements in the initiative, attributing its success to the Governor’s commitment and substantial investment in pro-poor programmes designed to alleviate poverty and foster resilience.

The training aimed to enhance the capacity of staff and institutions in Gombe to effectively manage grievances and address GBV issues, promoting safer and more inclusive communities.

Dr. Obaje noted that grievance redress mechanisms are integral to World Bank-supported programmes like NG-CARES, and Gombe State has established five active platforms under the initiative, including Social Transfer (Cash Transfer Office), Targeted Grants Transfer (TGT),Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Fadama Programme and State Development Agencies (SMA).

The Gombe State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alh. Salihu Baba Alkali, who also chairs the State CARES Steering Committee, emphasized that GO-CARES is a locally adapted version of the NG-CARES programme.

He highlighted its significant impact over the past four to five years in improving the lives of poor and vulnerable groups in the state.

Alh. Alkali stressed that the step-down training, mandated by the Federal NG-CARES, seeks to ensure that implementers and beneficiaries understand their rights to voice concerns and access a safe and supportive environment for resolution. The training also equips participants with tools to design, establish, and manage grievance mechanisms that address the needs of vulnerable populations effectively.

In his welcome address, the State GO-CARES Coordinator, Michael Habila, revealed that Gombe State is the first to organize this step-down training following a national session conducted by the Federal CARES Support Unit. He expressed optimism that the training would lead to enhanced staff performance in managing grievances and implementing GBV measures.
Participants lauded the initiative, noting that the training has equipped them with essential skills to tackle GBV and grievance issues. They also expressed gratitude to the state government for prioritizing their professional development and providing opportunities to contribute to the success of the GO-CARES programme.