By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Atleast 3,055 persons across 12 communities would benefit in the second phase of the empowerment programme of the of Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES).
It has also debunked allegations that the selection of beneficiaries was politicized but were drawn from the 2018 social register in the state, with those in the updated social register to be captured in the next phase of the programme.
Speaking on a live radio Programme, the Head, Coordinating Units of AK-CARES, Mrs Enobong Okpongkpong said the programme was in line with the Arise agenda of the present administration.
The list of beneficiaries according to Okpongkpong include 1,055 beneficiaries of livelihood grants under DLI 1.3; 12 communities executing basic projects under DLI 1.4; and about 2,000 Nano, Micro and Small-scale Enterprises receiving operational support under DLI 3.2.
She further explained that under Phase 2 of the AK-CARES Programme, funds would be disbursed to 12 benefiting communities across the ten federal constituencies for the implementation of two Micro Projects each under DLI 1.4.
She also said that funds would be disbursed under Result Area 1 and Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLI) 1.3 (Livelihood Grants) and 3.2 (Nano, Micro and Small business Enterprise).
She noted that the empowerment is geared towards enhancing livelihood support, food security services, and provide essential grants to disadvantaged households and businesses across the State.
“We are doing what the ARISE agenda stands for, rural development, security, because when Government empowers people they will have means of survival and there will be no need to steal.” The Coordinator said.
She further said that Governor Eno has continued to show unwavering commitment to supporting communities and individuals in the State through this programme stating that under FADAMA, farm inputs, assets have been disbursed to farmers as well as grading of rural roads, building of sewage facilities for wet markets for ease of trading activities.
