ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has significantly increased the number of beneficiaries under the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) Programme, from 36,353 to 110,841, marking a 205% increase.
Governor Oborevwori made this announcement at a town hall meeting with D-CARES beneficiaries at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday. He expressed his satisfaction with the positive impact of the D-CARES programme on the lives of the beneficiaries.
“Upon assumption of office as Governor, and in line with the MORE Agenda, we commenced the implementation of a blueprint that will provide more access to opportunities for Deltans, irrespective of their socio-economic status,” said Oborevwori. “Consequently, I approved the release of funds to support the activities of the D-CARES programme across various delivery platforms. I am very pleased to see this large number of happy Deltans whose lives and businesses have been positively impacted.”
Highlighting the scale-up, he added, “Increasing the number of direct beneficiaries from 36,353 to 110,841, an increase of approximately 205% in just about ten months, is indeed a commendable achievement. I salute the entire D-CARES team for putting the people first in their assignments. However, as you know, ‘the reward for hard work is more work,’ and I enjoin the D-CARES team not to rest on their oars.”
Oborevwori emphasized the need for continued support amidst the current economic challenges, urging the D-CARES team to enlist more Deltans and businesses to help more people achieve economic stability. He congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to use this opportunity to achieve economic freedom for themselves and their families.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, lauded the governor’s commitment, noting that the program initially supported 36,353 direct beneficiaries at the start of the current administration. “In the last 10 months, this figure has increased by 74,488 to a total of 110,841 persons, representing a 205% increase,” he said. “This result is a true testament to Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to improving the lives and economic fortunes of the poor and vulnerable in Delta State, as represented by the ‘O’ in his MORE Agenda for Deltans.”
Ekedayen outlined the D-CARES programme’s focus on three key areas: increasing social transfers, basic services, and livelihood support for poor and vulnerable households; enhancing food security and the safe functioning of food supply chains; and facilitating recovery and enhancing the capacities of micro and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Lady (Dr.) Patience Ogbewe, Secretary of the State CARES Steering Committee and State Coordinator of the Delta CARES Programme, highlighted the programme’s role as a crucial intervention for the most vulnerable. “COVID-19 may have come and gone, but the challenges it posed are still felt, coupled with other economic upheavals such as inflation, unemployment, and environmental shocks,” she said. She commended the governor for his unwavering support and the comprehensive approach of the D-CARES programme, which addresses economic opportunities, healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and food security.
The town hall meeting underscored the significant strides made by the D-CARES programme in transforming the lives of Delta State residents.
