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The Enugu State Government has formally launched its 2026 community development projects alongside a statewide sensitisation of NG-CARES 2.0, an intervention programme designed to empower no fewer than 3,000 rural residents across the state.
The event, held on Friday, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, and development partners. The programme was organised through the State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) under the theme: Unveiling and Sensitisation of Stakeholders on 2026 Community Development Programmes.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Peter Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to community-driven development, noting that the initiative is structured to directly improve livelihoods and address critical infrastructure gaps at the grassroots level.
He explained that the programme is built around three key pillars: potable water, improved sanitation, and livelihood support. According to him, the water component will expand solar-powered water schemes to curb water-borne diseases, while the sanitation arm will prioritise the construction of modern toilet facilities in underserved communities. The livelihood component will provide targeted grants to vulnerable individuals using verified data from the state’s social register.
The General Manager of CSDA, Monday Diamond Ani, said the sensitisation exercise was designed to guide stakeholders on how communities can access Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) 2.0 interventions. He disclosed that over 140 communities have already benefited from previous water and sanitation projects, with the state now set to scale up implementation under the new phase.
Ani further revealed that the programme will distribute 2,480 Point of Sale (POS) machines and 520 vocational tools, including sewing, grinding, and hairdressing equipment, as part of efforts to stimulate small-scale businesses and local enterprise.
He noted that the intervention comes at a critical time when inflationary pressures continue to affect rural households, stressing that alignment between different tiers of government has made the initiative possible.
Beneficiaries, he said, will be selected from individuals aged 18 and above, with a focus on vulnerable groups identified through the state social register. He added that the process will be strictly apolitical, with an independent verification committee put in place to ensure transparency and prevent favouritism.
The programme, tagged Operation 2.0 under the NG-CARES, also attracted representatives from the Federal Government and the World Bank, highlighting the multi-level support backing the initiative.
The Enugu State chapter of the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria commended the government for prioritising youth inclusion and community participation, pledging continued collaboration to ensure successful implementation across the state.
With the rollout now underway, NG-CARES 2.0 is expected to play a central role in strengthening resilience, improving living conditions, and expanding economic opportunities in rural Enugu.
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