By Grace Okenwa
Enugu State continues to emerge as one of Nigeria’s most successful NG-CARES implementation hubs, with beneficiaries across various communities. They shared heartfelt testimonies of improved livelihoods, revived businesses, and strengthened socio-economic stability.
Recent interviews captured by the Abuja documentary team highlighted genuine stories of hope, empowerment, and resilience.
For smallholder farmers and petty traders, NG-CARES has become important support system in their enterprises.
Many beneficiaries narrated how the programme helped them restart or expand their income-generating activities, and many of them confessed to be achieving economic independence.
The Hon. Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Hon. Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, described NG-CARES as an economic recovery intervention designed to mitigate the impact of economic shocks on poor and vulnerable groups. He noted that assessments were conducted across communities to ensure needs-driven and community-selected interventions.
He outlined the three delivery platforms: CSDA (Result Area 1), which delivers water, sanitation, health, and school infrastructure; Fadama (Result Area 2), which delivery agricultural inputs, assets, and rehabilitates rural farm roads, irrigation facilities, aggregation centres e.t.c, and the SME component, which provides financial support to nano, micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. He added that Enugu State currently maintains a performance scorecard above 90 percent.
Head of the State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU), Mr. Christian Nwankwo, affirmed that oversight mechanisms remain strong, ensuring full compliance with operational guidelines.
He expressed satisfaction with field reports and noted the consistent appreciation shown by community beneficiaries.
The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Calistus Uche Ugwu, described NG-CARES as timely, transparent, and highly impactful.
He stated that the legislature fully aligns with the programme’s objectives and supports its continued implementation for the benefit of genuine grassroots beneficiaries.
Significant impact was also observed under Result Area 2 (Fadama). In Ikpa Nsukka L.G.A, the traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Dr. Ejike Jude Asadu, Igwe Eze Amaiwe 1 of Umuoyo Autonomous community, expressed deep appreciation to Enugu State Government under the leadership of Dr. Barr Peter Mbah, NG-CARES, Federal Government and the World Bank. He explained that the rehabilitated Ikpa Nsukka farm road has reduced transportation costs and improved access to markets.
Farmer groups in Nenwe and Umuozzi also praised the delivery of farm inputs, and agricultural assets that have boosted productivity and income.
Under the CSDA and SME platforms, communities reported improved access to clean water, safer learning environments, and revived nano, micro and small businesses.
At Government Technical College, Igugu, the provision of a borehole and perimeter fence enhanced school safety and water supply, while traders like Mrs. Ugwuja Oluchi of Ede Oballa described the SME cash support as a major turning point for her business.
Across all sites visited, the message remained consistent.
NG-CARES is touching lives, restoring hope, and driving sustainable grassroots development in Enugu State.
*Grace Okenwa* is from Enugu State Ministry of Information
