By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo & Idris Salisu

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has called on indigenes of the state who benefitted from the Cash Transfers and Welfare Schemes under the NG-Cares Programme, not to use the money and marry more wives for now, but to make

best use of the opportunity and improve their livelihoods.

He said Zamfara State has made remarkable progress, with over 1.1 million beneficiaries recorded across the various cycles.

“These resources are meant to uplift your lives and improve your livelihoods. By utilising them wisely, you will transform your circumstances and also contribute to the collective progress of our state,” he said.

The Governor spoke at the Flag-Off Ceremony for the Cash Transfers and Welfare Schemes Under the NG-CARES Programme, held on Tuesday at Garba Nadama Hall, JB Yakubu Secretariat, Gusau.

Dauda Lawal, amidst thunderous applause from a mammoth crowd, assured the people of Zamfara State that his administration would remain resolute in its commitment to improving lives and creating opportunities for growth and prosperity.

According to him, “in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.I begin by expressing my gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to gather here today for this important occasion.  This event marks another milestone in our efforts to bring meaningful change to the lives of our people through carefully designed initiatives that respond directly to their needs.”

“You may recall that I traversed the entire 14 Local Government Areas of the state for the launch of COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus under the auspices of FADAMA III between January and February 2024. we ensured that no community was left behind, it was that strenuous effort that contributed significantly in qualifying our state for the outstanding recognition by the World Bank due to our dexterity in the implementation of the programme.”

“Through our active participation in this programme, Zamfara State has made remarkable progress, with over 1.1 million beneficiaries recorded across the various cycles. These achievements were made possible by the dedicated efforts of our Community Development Agency, Fadama III Project, and the Ministry of Commerce, among others. The financial gains from this initiative were equally impressive, with earnings of about N64 billion across three cycles. This success is what earned our state recognition at the national level.”

“Building on this momentum, we are here today to flag-off another important phase of the programme, which focuses on distribution of stimulus packages to support the most vulnerable members of our society. This initiative reflects the commitment of my administration to ensuring that no one is left behind as we strive for economic recovery through social upliftment.”

“Your Excellency, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the cash transfer segment of the programme is in four categories. The first is Labour-Intensive Public Workfare scheme, each beneficiary will receive N20,000 monthly over a period of one year. To ensure equity and gender sensitivity, 60% of the allocation for this are allocated to women, while the remaining 40% are for men. The women’s share will specifically target widows, divorcees, and volunteer hospital workers who have been serving without pay. While the social register is in use,  our revered traditional rulers will play an integral role in identifying deserving beneficiaries from their respective communities.”

“The second category is the Social Transfers, in which N10,000 will be provided monthly for a period of one year to each beneficiary in the category of the physically challenged individuals, the chronically ill, and the elderly. This support is intended to ease the burden on those who face formidable challenges in their daily lives and ensure that they can live with relative dignity and comfort.”

“The Livelihood Support Grant is a one-off payment of N150,000 and it is targeted to small-scale business owners. Equal consideration has been given to men and women, with specific trades that are identified to cater for and improve their respective areas of expertise. From tailoring to food vending, this initiative intends to revitalise small businesses and create a ripple-effect of economic growth across our communities.”

“Similarly, the Grants to SMEs will provide a one-off payment of N50,000 to targeted groups, including Yan Agaji, female-headed households, and scholars from Makarantar Allo and Islamiya schools. This measure is designed to empower diverse segments of the population and strengthen the foundation of our local economy.”

“I would like to seize this opportunity to commend the NG-CARES Steering Committee and Implementation Units for their dedication and commitment to excellence. Their hard work made it possible that these interventions get to those who need them the most in transparent and effective manner.”

“To our traditional rulers and community leaders, I extend the gratitude of my government for your collaboration and support. Your role in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring the fair distribution of resources cannot be overstated.To the beneficiaries, I urge you to make the best use of this opportunity. These resources are meant to uplift your lives and improve your livelihoods. By utilising them wisely, you will transform your circumstances and also contribute to the collective progress of our state.”

“As we embark on this new phase, I want to assure the good people of Zamfara State that my administration will remain resolute in its commitment to improving lives and creating opportunities for growth and prosperity.Your Excellency, The Right Honourable Speaker, Your Royal Highnesses, Senior Members of Government, Religious Leaders, Women and Youth leadership and representations, invited Guests, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is to the Glory of God and for benefit of mankind that I officially flag off the Cash Transfers and Welfare Schemes under the NG-CARES Programme. I pray to Allah subhanahu wata’ala that this intervention will bring meaningful change to the lives of our people and further strengthen our collective efforts towards building a prosperous and resilient Zamfara State,”he added.