Lagos State Govt Is Advancing Social Inclusion Through NG-CARES – Says Special Adviser 

Dr. Finnih, who stated this recently at the official presentation of Certificates to outgoing beneficiaries of the NG-CARES (DLI 1.2) Labour Intensive Public Workfare held at the Onigbongbo LCDA Secretariat, Ikeja, disclosed that one of the core priorities of government in the attainment of SDGs is the creation of opportunities for citizens’ empowerment.

She explained that as a state-level intervention programme designed to alleviate the local effects of the pandemic by safeguarding the livelihoods of both existing and newly vulnerable households, beneficiaries of the schemes are predominantly unemployed and unskilled youth and women from vulnerable households, between the ages of 18 and 45 years.

In her words, “The Office of Sustainable Development Goals, responsible for initiating the Labour-Intensive Public Workfare of the programme in Lagos State, has in the last year implemented this project across all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state, targeting identified vulnerable individuals.

According to her, this delivery platform plays a pivotal role in the overall implementation of the NG-CARE project. It is designed to significantly enhance the socio-economic well-being of vulnerable members of society and alleviate their challenges.

Dr. Finnih stated that the primary objective is to provide immediate employment opportunities in social sectors, thereby addressing the emergency constraints caused by the loss of labour income in poor and vulnerable households due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This programme has achieved significant milestones, evident through the numerous success stories of our beneficiaries. We have graduated 1,716 beneficiaries from various communities, working with organisations like LAWMA, Public Works, Ministry of Transportation, LASPARK, Primary Health Care, and other intervention agencies”, she disclosed.

While noting that the initiative has also played a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of participating youth and women, the Special Adviser stated that another set of beneficiaries have been enrolled into the scheme to ensure that no one is left behind.

She pointed out that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is dedicated to providing opportunities to achieve a state of well-being and socially acceptable standards of living for all our citizens, affirming that emphasis has been on the implementation of strategies that will expand the socio-economic safety net and reduce the burden on the majority of vulnerable communities.

Dr. Finnih, who revealed that the present administration’s partnership with both the public and private sector will continue to birth new opportunities for the people, affirmed that interventions like NG-CARES are pivotal towards enhancing a prosperous and peaceful society.

Appreciating all stakeholders for identifying with the programme, she implored the new beneficiaries to be diligent in their assigned duties and respect their host communities to ensure the success of the programme.

In his remark, the Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Olakunle Oladotun said, while the initiative is providing opportunities for beneficiaries to improve their standards of living, it is equally making them responsible citizens as they contribute to the development of the state through the social services rendered.

Expressing delight and gratitude to the state government for enrolling new beneficiaries into the scheme, the Chairman emphasised that involving more vulnerable Lagosians in the project underscores the government’s commitment to building a productive society.

Acknowledging the contribution of the beneficiaries to the community through the social intervention scheme, Hon. Olakunle offered immediate employment to three outgoing beneficiaries for their outstanding effort and dedication to duties during their period of engagement with NG-CARES.