…….prioritises health, education, water, nutrition, erosion control
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya has approved the execution of various projects in 200 communities across the state.
Our correspondent reports that the project areas include Health, Education, Water, Nutrition and Erosion Control through the Gombe State Community and Social Development Agency’s NG-CARES COVID-19 programme to improve the welfare of the people.
The General Manager of CSDA Malam Haruna Ahmed-Imam on Thursday disclosed this at the commencement of a workshop to enhance the capacity of Community and Group Management Committees of communities.
According to Ahmed-Imam, the participants were selected for the execution of the projects to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out the project, and ensure its successful implementation and sustainability.
He stated that the NG-CARES programme execution commenced with seven communities and expanded to 28 then to 27 and now to 200 communities.
Ahmed-Imam said, “This is a testament to the Gombe State Government commitment in bringing succor to the poor and vulnerable as evidenced by consistent release of funds and support to the Agency.
“The goal of the workshop was to empower community members with the tools and expertise needed to take ownership of the project and drive its success. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to fostering community empowerment through collaborative projects.
“It is believed that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level hence by investing in communities and providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, government will be laying the foundation for long-term progress.”
Ahmed-Imam lauded Governor Yahaya for supporting the agency in executing projects across various communities, which he noted has positively impacted the masses.
Also speaking, Finance and Administration Manager, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar-Gwani said the participating communities sought support for the execution of various projects and were selected, adding “there is a need for them to own the project and execute it judiciously.”
He explained that the projects selected encompasses various basic amenities tailored towards the needs of the people and also commended the governor for focusing on the poorest of the poor communities.
The training workshop was designed to cover a wide range of topics, including project management, resource mobilisation, community engagement, and sustainable development practices. Experts in project and finance management, and community development,monitoring and evaluation and related fields facilitated the sessions, sharing best practices and tailored guidance to address the specific needs of the selected communities.
A cross section of participants at the training which include Aliko Abdullahi the Village Head of Kwami, Maryam Sani from Kurugu community and Garba Idris From Zangoma Ngubdo community who were visibly overwhelmed with the development said most of the benefitting communities lacked basic amenities with no government presence, saying their gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya knows no bounds, they equally thanked the CSDA for following the directives of the governor by selecting the most poor and vulnerable communities.
They also expressed enthusiasm and determination to contribute meaningfully to the project’s success viewing it as an opportunity to actively shape positive change within their own neighborhoods, while commending the governor for bringing projects that positively affect the common man.
Prior to the training, the agency had conducted needs assessment in all the communities as directed by the governor.
The Gombe State Agency for Community and Social Development is one of the platforms in the state for the implementation of the NG-CARES programme domesticated as GO-CARES.
Comfort Mukollo
PRO/CSDA
