By Sunday Elijah
The Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Area (LGA), in Gombe state, Eglah Idris, Sunday flagged-off the fourth round of distribution of palliative items supplied by Gombe State Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (GO- CARES).
Launched in July 2022 by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, GO-CARES is an emergency recovery programme meant to support governments’ budgeted programme of expenditures and interventions specifically designed to expand access to livelihood support, food security and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable persons in communities whose lives, businesses, jobs and means of livelihood have been distorted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fourth-round targets 15,000 beneficiaries in the LGA, expected to receive items that included fertilizer, insecticides, sewing machine, grinding machines, IPhones and livestock.
Addressing beneficiaries, the Chairperson said the items were meant to alleviate poverty and support the vulnerable people in the area.
While appreciating Gov. Yahaya for his people-oriented policies, Mrs. Idris called on people of the LGA to support the policies and programs of government in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
She warned the beneficiaries against selling the items, but channel them to improve their livelihood.
In their remarks, Coordinator of GO-CARES, Samaila Idris, alongside Director M&D Fadama lll, Yunusa Madi, appreciated Gov. Yahaya, and the Chairperson of the LGA for their people-friendly policies, especially through provision of essential items to the people.
According to them, about 29,000 people from the area have so far benefited from the GO-CARES palliatives, adding that more items and funds will be distributed and disbursed soon.
Some beneficiaries who spoke, expressed appreciation to the government for the provision of the items, and promised to make use of the inputs to improve their lives.
According to Gombe state government document made available to Africa Prime News, about 573,429 people will benefit from the programme statewide, through cash transfers, livelihood grants, agricultural inputs, and operational grants to small businesses.
It added that 305 communities across the 11 LGAs will benefit from community development projects including classroom blocks, health care facilities, WASH facilities under Basic Services and construction or rehabilitation of earth dams, culvert and drainages under the Rural Infrastructure component of the programme.
