The National Programme Coordinator of the National Community Action for Resilience and Economic Sustainability (NG-CARES), Dr. Abdulkareem Obaje, has urged stakeholders in Kano and Jigawa States to intensify efforts in achieving the programme’s objectives.

This was contained in a statement signed by Shafaatu Said Karaye, Communication Officer, Kano CARES issued to newsmen on Saturday.

Dr. Obaje made the call on Thursday while inaugurating a three-day training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Grievance Mechanism (GM) protocols, aligned with NG-CARES programme documents and approved by the World Bank. 

The training was held at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, and was organized by the Kano and Jigawa State Ministries of Budget and Planning, which supervise the programme in the two states.

Addressing participants, Dr. Obaje emphasized the need for stakeholders to effectively apply the skills and knowledge gained to support poor and vulnerable households, improving their economic well-being and living standards. 

He also announced that the Federal Government and the World Bank have approved the extension of the NG-CARES Programme to 2028 under a new phase, NG-CARES 2.0, urging states to fulfill the necessary conditions for participation.

In a goodwill message, Malam Sagir Sani Kila, Permanent Secretary of the Jigawa State Ministry of Planning and Budget, commended the NG-CARES office for significantly improving the livelihoods of vulnerable households in the state.

Similarly, Malam Aliyu Muhammad, a Director representing the Kano State Commissioner for Planning and Budget, thanked the National Coordinator for the interactive and resourceful training. 

He highlighted that the programme’s extension to 2028 would further enhance economic support to poor households in Kano.

The training brought together stakeholders and field officers from both states, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building on GBV and grievance management within the NG-CARES framework.

By Ibrahim Muhammad