ASABA/Nigeria: Stakeholders from across the South-South region on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, converged on Asaba, the Delta State capital, for the NG-CARES South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting, aimed at evaluating outcomes of the intervention and shaping the next phase of the programme.
The meeting, which brought together representatives of the World Bank, the Federal Government, 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.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kingsley Emu, commended the synergy between the World Bank, the Federal Government, and states in sustaining NG-CARES. He said although the programme was originally designed as an emergency intervention to mitigate the socio-economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has grown into a multi-dimensional development tool transforming communities nationwide.
“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,” Oborevwori said.
He further underlined the crucial role of Independent Verification Agents in promoting transparency, accountability, and objectivity in programme delivery, stressing that the deliberations would set the tone for their re-engagement under NG-CARES 2.0. He disclosed that the next phase will adopt a Community Action approach that empowers communities to identify their needs, implement solutions, and take ownership of interventions such as the construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructure.
“This grassroots-driven model will deliver deeper impact, stronger accountability, and more sustainable development,” the governor added.
World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado, announced that the Bank has committed $700 million to support NG-CARES nationwide. He praised Delta State for its strong counterpart funding and track record in effective 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 said.
He reiterated the Bank’s focus on tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, micro and small businesses, and vulnerable households across Nigeria.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Delta State D-CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe, described the gathering as a crucial step in strengthening accountability and impact assessment under NG-CARES 1.0. She noted that similar review meetings were simultaneously being held in Nasarawa and Kebbi States, underscoring the nationwide commitment to transparency.
“We are especially delighted to receive our colleagues from Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, and of course our Delta State participants. This meeting underscores our shared responsibility to evaluate performance and chart a clear roadmap for NG-CARES 2.0,” Ogbewe said.
