By Itodo D. Daniels.
In what has been described as a transformative intervention for grassroots development, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has scored a major governance milestone through the successful implementation of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.
Spearheaded by the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA), the programme has delivered a wide array of basic service infrastructure to some of the most underserved rural and remote communities across the state.
Although the NG-CARES Programme is nearing its official closure, its impact on the lives of citizens is already indelible.
With unwavering support from Governor Ododo, the state has emerged as one of the frontline achievers in the delivery of community-driven development projects across Nigeria.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Momoh Dauda, the indefatigable General Manager of the KGCSDA, the agency recorded interventions in 97 rural communities and supported 8 vulnerable groups across Kogi State. These interventions culminated in a total of 233 micro-projects that cut across critical sectors that directly affect the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people.
Breakdown of the projects include: Water and Sanitation, 98 projects; Health Infrastructure, 68 projects; Educational Support, 64 projects; Nutritional Services, 2 projects; Flood and Erosion Control, 1 project.
Altogether, these projects have directly benefited an estimated 557,063 individuals, marking a substantial outreach that demonstrates the effectiveness of the community-based development approach adopted under the NG-CARES framework.
Governor Ododo’s leadership has been a cornerstone for the successful rollout and implementation of NG-CARES in Kogi State. His commitment to inclusive governance and people-centered policies ensured that the agency received the institutional support and enabling environment needed to function effectively. The success of the KGCSDA under his administration exemplifies what can be achieved when political will meets technical expertise and community participation.
In his remarks, Chief Momoh Dauda expressed gratitude to the state government for its unflinching support and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to sustain development gains beyond the NG-CARES programme. “This has been a journey of impact and transformation. We have witnessed first-hand how strategic investments in basic infrastructure can uplift entire communities. With the backing of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, we were empowered to act where the need was greatest,” he stated.
As the first phase of the NG-CARES initiative winds down, its legacy in Kogi State will continue to speak volumes. From clean water facilities and revitalized schools to rehabilitated health centers and improved sanitation, the lives of hundreds of thousands have been touched. The programme’s emphasis on participatory planning and community ownership has not only enhanced sustainability but has also fostered a stronger sense of agency among rural dwellers.
This remarkable achievement underscores Governor Ododo’s development philosophy that no community, no matter how remote, should be left behind. Through the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency and the NG-CARES Programme, his administration has delivered hope, dignity, and opportunity to the doorsteps of the underserved — a legacy that will undoubtedly outlive the programme itself.
