COVID-19: NGOs partner to reduce economic hardship in Yobe
COVID-19: NGOs partner to reduce economic hardship in Yobe
European Union (EU), Mercy Corps and Save the Children International (SCI) has launched a project to reduce economic hardship in Yobe state.
Tagged “Reducing the Impact of COVID-19 in Yobe State” the project aims to aid early recovery from the economic hardship that was occasioned by the COVID-19 in the state.
According to a statement that was joint signed by the group and issued by Mr. Amanuel Mamo, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns, SCI, Nigeria, the project which was launched on Wednesday was in collaboration with the Government of Yobe State.
The explained that the project will bring together the representatives of the state government, EU representatives, International NGOs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOS) and senior government officials to highlight and present key programme to address the impact of the pandemic across three LGAs of the state.
According to the statement, speaking at the launching SCI Nigeria’s Country Director, Ms. Mercy Gichuhi said that the project is aimed at developing and strengthening economic livelihoods and market systems to ensure the inclusion of most vulnerable households and that the goal is to be achieved through vocational skills training, livelihoods assistance and establishment of voluntary saving and loan associations.
The group disclosed that findings by Mercy Corps and SCI had shown that most households in Yobe have reported economic hardship due to the reduce income and food insecurity hence the kick-off of the event which will respond to an urgent need.
“In response to this need, with funding from the EU Mercy Corps and SCI will be implement the Reducing the Impact of COVID-19 project,” the international partners said.
Adding that about 5,000 households are expected to benefit as direct programme participants in the two-year project.
The statement further explained that the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen said: “It is an EU priority to help Nigeria address the impact of COVID 19 on the most vulnerable”.
To date, the European Union and its Member States are leading the COVID-19 response as we can witness with the recent arrival of the almost 4 million COVAX vaccines which should target frontline health workers as a priority,” Ketil said.
He added saying: “This is a landmark moment and another illustration of EU´s support to Nigeria and Yobe State to respond to the needs of those affected by the pandemic”.
According to Mercy Corps Nigeria’s Country Director, Ndubisi Anyanwu, “It is critical that we take time to examine what works, as well as the challenges, when it comes to ensuring that households have the skills, social networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in their daily lives.
This kick-off will be a great opportunity for stakeholders in Yobe to support the project objectives, which seek to ensure vulnerable and conflict-affected households have restored and improved livelihoods that are more resilient to conflict and climate shocks and stresses,” Ndubisi stated in the statement.
COVID-19: NGOs partner to reduce economic hardship in Yobe
