Ilorin, November 11, 2022 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Kwara State Government, has launched the Economic Revitalization Programme in Kwara State. The programme adopts the use of unconditional cash transfers, business capacity building and mentoring while targeting vulnerable businesses and individuals impacted by the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Economic Revitalization Programme focuses on supporting women - owned and youth-owned businesses, specifically in the agriculture, and food processing value-chain.

With a total contribution of NGN 200,000,000 million towards the project which is implemented under UNDP’s flagship response to COVID-19, seeks to alleviate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on beneficiaries and to strengthen resilience of communities in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Kwara State. Over 3,000 Informal Businesses and MSMEs are expected to benefit from this project. These beneficiaries will be drawn from the State’s Social Registers that are coordinated by the State SDGs office.

The aim of the economic revitalization project is to support vulnerable households, particularly female headed households, People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), the elderly, and Informal Businesses and MSMEs, including informal vulnerable communities affected by the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. The intervention will support the reduction of risk and enhance the resilience of poor and vulnerable population who are at risk.

The Executive Governor of Kwara State, AdbulRahman AbdulRaraq commened the the government of Kwara state for rising to the unforeseen challenge and implementing initiatives to support the people of the state through such unprecedented times. According to him, “Reviving the economy will not be an easy journey, however, we are assured of a positive outcome, with support from relevant stakeholders like the UNDP, and its partners. It is in this regard. that UNDP has collaborated with the state to implement this socio-economic revitalization programme aimed at supporting and strengthening women and youth owned business, particularly in the agriculture and food security value chain.”

In Kwara State, over 4,640 covid-19 cases were recorded with 64 deaths, as of June 2022. The pandemic further amplified gender inequalities by making women more vulnerable to its residual effects, increasing gender-based violence and amplifying loss of livelihood opportunities. The agricultural sector, which serves as the primary means of livelihood for most Kwara indigenes suffered losses in outputs. Although primary agricultural activities were excluded from the direct restrictions on economic activities imposed in the lockdown zones, the broader agri-food system was affected indirectly because of its linkages with the rest of the economy.

Speaking during the launch, the Resident Representative Mr. Mohammed Yahya mentioned that “I am delighted to be here today at this official launch of the UNDP’s Economic Revitalization Programme which is aimed to make a lasting impact for the good people of Kwara State. Mr. Yahya commend the government of Kwara State for rising to the unforeseen challenge and implementing initiatives to support the people of the state through such unprecedented times. He concluded by reaffirming that, “this program hopes to empower over 3,000 beneficiaries with the quick implementation of transparent and measurable interventions to bring the most vulnerable communities back on the path to sustainability.”

The project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the government of Kwara State will last for a period of 12 months (November 2022 to November 2023), and will entail quick implementation, transparent and trackable interventions to address the developmental impacts of COVID-19 in Kwara State. 

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