NG-CARES In Enugu: Empowering Communities, Restoring Livelihoods

By Grace Okenwa

Enugu State is increasingly being recognised as one of Nigeria’s strongest performers in the implementation of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, with beneficiaries across several communities attesting to its far-reaching impact.

During recent field interviews conducted by an Abuja-based documentary team, beneficiaries shared compelling testimonies of renewed hope, improved livelihoods, revived businesses, and enhanced socio-economic stability.

For smallholder farmers, petty traders, and nano-entrepreneurs, NG-CARES has emerged as a vital support system. Many beneficiaries recounted how the intervention enabled them to restart stalled businesses, expand income-generating activities, and gradually achieve economic independence.

The Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Hon. Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, described NG-CARES as a targeted economic recovery intervention designed to cushion the effects of economic shocks on poor and vulnerable groups.

He explained that community-based assessments were conducted to ensure that all interventions were needs-driven and selected by the beneficiaries themselves.

Hon. Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, Commissioner For Budget and Planning, Enugu State

According to him, the programme operates through three delivery platforms:

Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA – Result Area 1): providing water, sanitation, health and education infrastructure;

Fadama (Result Area 2): delivering agricultural inputs and assets, and rehabilitating rural farm roads, irrigation facilities and aggregation centres;

SME Component: offering financial support to nano, micro, small and medium enterprises.

He added that Enugu State currently maintains a performance scorecard of over 90 per cent.

The Head of the State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU), Mr. Christian Nwankwo, reaffirmed that robust oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure strict compliance with operational guidelines.

He expressed satisfaction with field reports and noted the consistent appreciation shown by beneficiaries across communities.

Similarly, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Calistus Uche Ugwu, described NG-CARES as timely, transparent and highly impactful.

He stated that the legislature fully aligns with the programme’s objectives and remains committed to supporting its sustained implementation for the benefit of genuine grassroots beneficiaries.

RT. Hon. Calistus Uche Ugwu, Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly

Significant impact was also recorded under Result Area 2 (Fadama). In Ikpa Nsukka Local Government Area, the traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Dr. Ejike Jude Asadu (Igwe Eze Amaiwe I of Umuoyo Autonomous Community), expressed profound appreciation to the Enugu State Government under the leadership of Dr. Barr. Peter Mbah, as well as the Federal Government, NG-CARES and the World Bank.

He noted that the rehabilitation of the Ikpa Nsukka farm road has drastically reduced transportation costs and improved farmers’ access to markets.

Farmer groups in Nenwe and Umuozzi communities also commended the delivery of farm inputs and agricultural assets, which they said have significantly boosted productivity and incomes.

Under the CSDA and SME platforms, communities reported improved access to clean water, safer learning environments and revitalised small businesses. At Government Technical College, Igugu, the provision of a borehole and perimeter fence enhanced water supply and school security.

Traders such as Mrs. Ugwuja Oluchi of Ede Oballa described the SME cash support as a major turning point for their businesses.

Across all locations visited, the message was consistent: NG-CARES is touching lives, restoring hope and driving sustainable grassroots development in Enugu State.

Grace Okenwa writes from the Enugu State Ministry of Information.