Society
Akwa Ibom Govt Assures Full Implementation Of Social Intervention Program, AK Cares
in partnership with the World Bank and the federal government.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has assured the full implementation of the second phase of AK-CARES, a social intervention program in partnership with the World Bank and the federal government.
The assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob Almond, when he hosted a team of journalists on Friday, January 19.
Bob thanked the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for approving the implementation of the program as well as members of the steering committee. He assured that the program, which covers the government’s blueprint, will be implemented.
“I thank the governor, who came prepared for the job and was clear about the vision by launching his economic blueprint, which has become an acronym, ARISE Agenda.
“The agenda has begun in earnest and covers agriculture and other areas. The entire state is covered by his blueprint. This is the second phase of the program.”
Bob stressed that AK-CARES was an initiative and partnership between the government and the World Bank due to the COVID-19 lockdown. He assured that the government has met all the necessary criteria, which allows the state to be a prime beneficiary of the program.
He noted that the social register has been updated to accommodate more people and that awareness is currently ongoing. The implementation will be done in phases.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Implementation Unit, Mrs. Enobong Okpokpong, stated in her presentation that AK-CARES has empowered 32,000 Akwa Ibomites in its first phase. She also mentioned that the process of implementation has been effective and transparent.
The Head of Social Transfer, Mrs. Christy Akpan, stated that the unit has made a monthly disbursement of 10,000 naira to 1,950 disadvantaged people for a period of one year. She further emphasized that this action has significantly improved the lives of its beneficiaries.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, stated that the support given to farmers under the FADAMA program has had a positive output and that it is visible with the disbursement of agricultural inputs to farmers across the state.
Credit: Itoro Etti/Uby Essien
