D-CARES Exemplary Implementation Applauded At NG-CARES South-South Zonal Review Meeting
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the World Bank, the Federal Government, and State Governments in sustaining NG-CARES, initially designed as an emergency intervention to cushion the socio-economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He made the expression in Asaba during the South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting of NG-CARES.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, noted that NG-CARES had since evolved into a multi-dimensional development tool driving grassroots transformation across the country.
“The impact of NG-CARES in Delta State cannot be overemphasized. Through this initiative, we have reached over 306,177 direct beneficiaries and more than 1.2 million indirect beneficiaries.
“This programme has not only alleviated poverty but also stimulated economic growth and empowered our communities”, he stated.
Governor Oborevwori further emphasized the importance of IVAs in ensuring transparency, accountability and objectivity in programme assessments, expressing the hope that the outcome of the meeting would help to shape strategies for the re-engagement of IVAs under the next phase, NG-CARES 2.0.
Dwelling on the upcoming transition, he explained that NG-CARES 2.0 would adopt a Community Action approach, placing communities at the centre of planning and execution.
“This grassroots-driven model empowers communities to identify their own needs, implement solutions, and take ownership of interventions such as the construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructure.
“By putting communities at the heart of implementation, NG-CARES 2.0 will deliver deeper impact, stronger accountability, and more sustainable development”, the Governor said.
In his remarks, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado, disclosed that the Bank has committed $700 million to supporting NG-CARES nationwide, and commended Delta State for its significant counterpart funding and track record of impactful implementation.
He said Delta State had been one of the leading contributors to the programme, pointing out that while the Federal Government accessed ₦2.2 billion, Delta’s commitment stood out.
“For the World Bank, what matters most is not just how much has been spent, but how the programme is improving lives on the ground”, Ersado remarked.
He reiterated that the focus of the World Bank was on tangible, measurable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, including small holder farmers, micro and small businesses, and vulnerable households across the country.
In her welcome address, the Delta State D-CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe assured participants of fruitful engagement, adding that the gathering underscored the authenticity and significance of the collective efforts in strengthening accountability within the NG-CARES Programme
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important South-South Zonal Performance Review Meeting of the Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) engaged under the implementation of NG-CARES 1.0.
“It is worth noting that similar review meetings are simultaneously being held today in Nasarawa and Kebbi States, further reflecting the nationwide commitment to transparency and impact assessment.
“We are especially delighted to receive our colleagues from Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, and of course our Delta State D-CARES participants. Your presence here reinforces the collaborative spirit that drives the success of this intervention.
“This meeting is envisioned as a crucial step in evaluating the performance of our implementing partners and ensuring that NG-CARES remains true to its mandate of delivering real and measurable benefits to our people.
“We are confident that the outcomes of this review will provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the programme and guiding the effective engagement of Independent Verification Agents under the NG-CARES 2.0 dispensation”.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governments, and implementing partners, focused on assessing the contributions of IVAs under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.
(GALLANT REPORTERS)
