GO-CARES: Yahaya Shares N500 Million To Gombe Traders

The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has shared the sum of N500 million to traders in the state.

The governor's support is part of his effort to help the various traders rebuild their businesses for improved income. 

The support grant is a gesture by the governor under the Gombe State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (GO-CARES).

During the flag-off ceremony on Saturday, Yahaya said his administration remains fully committed to addressing the socio-economic challenges affecting the people of the state.

He noted that over 8.5 billion Naira was budgeted to support 288,700 households, farmers, small scale businesses across the state to cushion the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the socioeconomic life of communities worldwide.

As contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, spokesperson to the governor, on Sunday, Yahaya said since the flag-off of the programme in July 2022, GO-CARES spent about 3.4 billion Naira through various interventions and relief packages reaching thousands of vulnerable families and businesses.

"So far, 147,666 indigenes of Gombe State have benefitted from the GO-CARES and many more will come onboard as many packages are underway."

The governor presented a cheque of 500 million Naira to the representatives of over 100 business communities, assuring that the distribution starts immediately.

"Ours is a grant, not a loan, and the allocation of this huge sum is a proof of how important we take businesses owing to the role they play in the growth and development of our dear state."

Responding on behalf of the various beneficiary groups, Alhaji Sunusi Abdullahi Mai Agogo, Chairman of Inter- Local Markets Traders Association, Alh. Uba Abdullahi, Chairman Women in Business, Dr. Eliza Danladi and the Chairman Amalgamated Traders Association, Abba Bill Gates said, Governor Yahaya has fulfilled promises he made to support the business communities, adding that they are grateful for the gesture and will make good use of the grants.