DELTA State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, has increased the number of direct beneficiaries of Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) Programme from 36,353 to 110,841, representing about 205 per cent.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with beneficiaries of the programme at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, May 22, Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with success stories of beneficiaries and the positive impact of D-CARES on their lives, adding: “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 by Deltans, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
“Consequently, I approved the release of funds to support the activities of the D-CARES programme across the various delivery platforms.
“I am, therefore, very pleased to see this large number of happy Deltans whose lives and businesses have been positively impacted.
“Scaling up the number of direct beneficiaries from 36,353 to 110,841, an increase of approximately 205 per cent, in just about 10 months, is, indeed, a commendable achievement.
“I, therefore, salute the entire D-CARES team for putting the people first in their assignments. However, as you know, ‘the reward for hardwork is more work,’ as such, I enjoin the D-CARES team not to rest on theirs oars.
“The current economic situation in our country has made it imperative for us to be supportive of one another. I charge you, therefore, to enlist more Deltans and businesses, so that more of our people can enjoy economic stability.
“To our dear beneficiaries, I congratulate you all. It is my hope and prayer that you will seize this opportunity provided by the programme to chart a new path that will lead to economic freedom for yourselves and your families.”
Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Economic Planning/Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, said the state government, through the programme, had provided support to 36,353 direct beneficiaries at the inception of the present administration in the state.
Ekedayen explained that the figure had in the last 10 months, increased by 74,488 to a total of 110,841 persons, saying this was a true testament to the commitment of Oborevwori to improving the lives and economic fortunes of the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.
He stated that the programme was designed to focus on three key result areas- increasing social transfers, basic services and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households; increasing food security and safe functioning of food supply chains to poor households and facilitating recovery and enhancing capacities of micro and small- scale entrepreneurs.
Earlier, Secretary, State CARES Steering Committee/State Coordinator, Delta CARES Programme, Dr. Patience Ogbewe, said the programme was a vital intervention dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable individuals and community members.
She said though COVID-19 has come and gone, the challenges it posed are, however, still being felt and compounded by other prevailing economic realities, such as inflation, unemployment and environmental shocks, among others.
Ogbewe expressed appreciation to the governor for his unwavering support for the success of the programme in the state.
