The Cross River State Government has initiated the livelihood component of the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, NG-CARES, programme, by distributing 100 boats to fishermen in riverine communities, and also allocating over 2 billion naira in grants to poor and vulnerable residents.
During the distribution ceremony held at Calabar Municipality headquarters, Governor Bassey Otu represented by his deputy Peter Odey, underscored the importance of this initiative in enhancing food security and supporting local agriculture.
The Governor highlighted that 100 fishing and commercial boats were distributed to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and facilitate the movement of farm products and people across water bodies.
Governor Otu urged beneficiaries to use the boats and funds responsibly, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and investing the grants in small businesses to ensure economic upliftment.
Beneficiaries of the initiatives expressed their gratitude, and shared their optimism about the positive changes the interventions would bring to their lives.
The NG-CARES programme aims at expanding access to livelihood support, food security services, and grants for poor and vulnerable households and businesses, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Cross River State.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
