FG, South-South Stakeholders Collaborate On NG-CARES

Stakeholders from the South-South region convened in Asaba, the Delta State capital, for the NG-CARES South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting.

The meeting aims to evaluate programme outcomes and chart the course for its next phase.

Representatives of the World Bank, the federal government of Nigeria, state governments, and implementing partners attended the meeting on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta state. It focused on assessing the contributions of IVAs under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

In his address, Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the secretary to the state government (SSG), 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 driving grassroots transformation across the country.

“The impact of NG-CARES in Delta state cannot be overemphasised. This initiative has 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 emphasised the importance of IVAs in ensuring transparency, accountability, and objectivity in programme assessments.

lso, World Bank Task Team Leader Mr. Lire Ersado disclosed that the Bank has committed $700 million to support NG-CARES nationwide.

He commended Delta State for its significant counterpart funding and its track record of impactful implementation.

“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,” Ersado remarked.

In her welcome remarks, the Delta State D-CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe, assured participants of fruitful engagement.

“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”, she stated.