Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, 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 on Tuesday while declaring open the NG-CARES South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, Governor Oborevwori expressed delight that the programme had so far reached 306,177 direct beneficiaries and over 1.2 million indirect beneficiaries across Delta State.
“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 stated.
Looking ahead, the Governor 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 centre of planning and implementation.
“By putting communities at the heart of decision-making, NG-CARES will deliver deeper impact, stronger accountability, and sustainable development at the grassroots,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori noted that the programme aligns with his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which prioritises opportunity creation, social welfare, and inclusiveness.
He highlighted the effectiveness of NG-CARES in cushioning economic shocks and supporting households, farmers, and small businesses.
He also cited complementary state initiatives such as the Widows’ Welfare Scheme, which provides financial support and healthcare to 10,000 widows across Delta, and the MORE Grant Scheme, through which 5,000 women entrepreneurs have received funding to expand their businesses.
The Governor said: "I want to thank the World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado, the National Coordinator, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, and the Federal CARES Support Unit for their dedication. To our brothers and sisters from the South-South states, this meeting provides a great opportunity to share experiences and strengthen implementation".
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.
Delta 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 speaking, 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 Delta State government for its commitment and expressed confidence that the IVA Performance Review Meeting would strengthen implementation and ensure greater support for vulnerable populations.
