The Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency has commenced a two-day capacity-building training for members of Local Government Review Committees and Desk Officers drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the state, as part of efforts to strengthen community-driven development under the NG-CARES Programme 2.0.
The training, holding in Okene, is being implemented under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme 2.0, which is supported by the World Bank and designed to enhance economic recovery and resilience at the community level.
The programme is aimed at strengthening the technical, institutional and operational capacity of participants to effectively implement, review and oversee Community Development Plans and Group Development Plans across Kogi State. The focus is on improving transparency, accountability and results-driven delivery of development interventions at the grassroots.
Speaking on the initiative, the General Manager of the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency, Chief Momoh Dauda, said the training would equip participants with the skills required to deliver inclusive and impactful interventions that align with the state’s development priorities. He noted that strengthening local capacity remains critical to achieving sustainable outcomes under the NG-CARES framework.
NG-CARES 2.0 builds on the gains of the earlier phase of the programme, which delivered community-led interventions that improved livelihoods, expanded access to basic services and strengthened social protection systems in rural and vulnerable communities across the state.
During the training, participants are expected to receive in-depth orientation on the objectives, components and implementation arrangements of NG-CARES 2.0. Sessions will also cover environmental and social safeguards, gender mainstreaming and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to ensure equitable development outcomes.
The programme features interactive presentations and discussions facilitated by senior government officials, technical experts and agency managers. It also provides a platform for dialogue, peer learning and experience sharing, aimed at improving coordination and effectiveness in the delivery of community-based projects across Kogi State.
