By Austin Ogwuda
… $700 million already pumped in by the World Bank nationwide
THE World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado has commended Delta State for its significant counterpart funding and its track record of impactful implementation of the programme just as the Bank has already committed $700 million, nationwide.
He disclosed this at a Stakeholders meeting of the South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review on Monday in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
The meeting was aimed at evaluating programme outcomes and charting the course for its next phase to support NG-CARES nationwide.
Ersado commended Delta State for its significant counterpart funding and its track record of impactful implementation.
Said he, “Delta State has been one of the leading contributors to this programme. While the Federal Government accessed N2.2 billion, Delta’s commitment stands 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”.
He reiterated that the focus of the World Bank remains on tangible, measurable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, micro and small businesses, and vulnerable households across the Federation.
In her welcome address, the Delta State D-CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe assured participants of fruitful engagement.
Her words, “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.
“This gathering underscores the authenticity and significance of our collective efforts in strengthening accountability within the NG-CARES Programme.
“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”.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, commended the collaborative efforts of the World Bank, the Federal Government and State governments in sustaining NG-CARES.
He noted that although NG-CARES was initially designed as an emergency intervention to cushion the socio-economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since evolved into a multi-dimensional development tool that is driving grassroots transformation across the country.
According to him, “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 added.
The meeting which 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 COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.
Caption: Pix 1 : The SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu (centre) who represented the Governor inspecting products from some of the D-CARE beneficiaries on display. On his immediate left is Delta State D-CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe.
Pix 2: A group photograph – 4th right is the SSG Dr Kingsley Emu flanked by the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado (right) and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, RT Hon Dennis Gwuor (left). On the immediate right of the Speaker is the Head of Service (HoS) Delta State, Dr. Minnie Oseji among others.
