Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has commended the NG-CARES Programme for its remarkable contributions to poverty reduction, economic growth, and social development in the state.
The Governor gave the commendation while declaring open the NG-CARES South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Elder Oborevwori also expressed delight that the programme had reached 306,177 direct beneficiaries and over 1.2 million indirect beneficiaries across the State.
According to him,”As one of our flagship programmes, NG-CARES has significantly impacted the lives of our citizens.
”In Delta, we have recorded 306,177 direct beneficiaries and more than 1,200,000 indirect beneficiaries”, he added.
The Governor further expressed optimism that the next phase—NG-CARES 2.0—would reach even more people through the Community Action Approach, which places communities at the center of planning and implementation.
He further said, “By putting communities at the heart of decision-making, NG-CARES will deliver deeper impact, stronger accountability, and sustainable development at the grassroots.”
The governor also noted that the programme aligned with his administration’s ‘MORE. Agenda’, which prioritised opportunity creation, social welfare, and inclusiveness.
He highlighted the effectiveness of NG-CARES in cushioning economic shocks and supporting households, farmers, and the MORE Grant Scheme.
The Governor thanked the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado, the National Coordinator, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, and the Federal CARES Support Unit for their dedication.
He expressed confidence that the IVA Performance Review Meeting would strengthen implementation and ensure greater support for vulnerable populations.
Speaking on behalf of the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, Alhaji Afiku Abubakar explained that the programme was designed by the Federal Government and the World Bank to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups.
He said the IVA Performance Review Report would help guide the roadmap for the next phase.
On her part, the State Coordinator of NG-CARES, Lady Patience Ogbewe, in her welcome address, underscored the importance of the review meeting, noting that its outcomes would inform planning for NG-CARES 2.0.
Also, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Lire Ersado, described NG-CARES as a state-led initiative with strong financial commitments from participating states.
He disclosed that while the World Bank provided a $700 million loan, states have jointly contributed $2.2 billion to sustain the programme.
He commended State government for its commitment and expressed confidence that the IVA Performance Review Meeting would strengthen implementation and ensure greater support for vulnerable populations.
