Direct beneficiaries of the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) Programme have increased from 36,353 to 110,841.
According to the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the success stories of the beneficiaries and the positive impact of the D-CARES programme on their lives were heartwarming.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with the beneficiaries of the D-CARES Programme held in Asaba on Wednesday, Oborewovori said:
“Upon assuming 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.
“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%, in just about ten 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 hard work is more work‘’ and as such, I enjoin the D-CARES team not to rest on their 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.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Economic Planning/Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, said the D-CARES programme was designed to focus on three key result areas.
These include increasing social transfers, basic services, and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households; increasing food security and the safe functioning of food supply chains to poor households; and facilitating recovery and enhancing the capacities of micro and small-scale entrepreneurs.
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Earlier, the Secretary, State CARES Steering Committee/State Coordinator, Delta CARES Programme, Lady (Dr.) Patience Ogbewe, said the D-CARES programme was a vital intervention dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable individuals and community members.
Lady Ogbewe noted that COVID-19 had come and gone, adding, however, that the challenges it posed were still being felt, coupled with other prevailing economic upheavals such as inflation, unemployment, and environmental shocks, among others.
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