NG-CARES: C'River Gov't Commences Distribution of Boats, Cash To Riverine Communities
By Ndifereke BASSEY
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, on Thursday, 18th July, 2024, flagged off the livelihood component of NG-CARES programme and the distribution of boats to fishermen in riverine communities. The event took place at the Calabar Municipal Headquarters.
The Governor, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, said in line with the administration's drive towards the achievement of food security through an enhanced method of agriculture, the State government has deemed it fit to support those whose occupation is to harvest marine resources by reason of their proximity to water.
"It is time to reduce the labour of our fishermen who hand-paddle canoes to go fishing and the artisans who ferry people across rivers."
The Governor also announced that the State Government is giving out a grant of ₦2bn (Two Billion Naira) Only, to the poor and most vulnerable people in the state.
"These grants are more than financial aids; they are rather a form of humanitarian investment to empower the most disadvantaged Cross Riverians with the resource to lift themselves economically, by contributing to the society.
Gov. Otu called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to justify the interest and sacrifice his administration has made to place the people first.
He thanked the management of Cross River State NG-CARES and all the relevant donor agencies who made the event a success.
Earlier, in his opening remark, the Commissioner of International Donor Co-ordination and Chairman, NG-CARES State Steering Committee, Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata, thanked the Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, and members of the State Executive Council who all graced the occasion.
He affirmed that the promise of the fishing boats is not going to be mere hand-outs, but an investment in the future of the State.
In a goodwill message, the wife of the Governor, Rev. Mrs Eyoawan Otu, represented by Mrs. Bassey Akiba, wife of member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani in the House Of Representatives thanked the Cross River State Government, the MIDC and other esteemed partners for the initiative. She called on the beneficiaries to seize this opportunity to enhance their livelihood and contribute to their communities.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Albert Ayanbem, commended the Prince Bassey Otu-led administration for giving the proceeds of democracy back to the people.
He called on the people to continue to support the APC and for the beneficiaries to use the cash donations and fishing boats judiciously.
Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Members of the State Executive Council and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, were present to grace the event.
The highlight of occasion was the launching of the livelihood grants, presentation of the payment of grants to the poor and vulnerable persons, farmers and distribution of boats by His Excellency the Governor.
