ASABA, Delta State – August 26, 2025 – A high-stakes meeting to review a multi-billion naira poverty relief program concluded here Tuesday, with Delta State earning praise for its effective management and announcing significant new welfare projects for its citizens.
The gathering, the NG-CARES South-South Zonal meeting, was convened to assess the performance of independent auditors and plan the next phase of the national program, designed to mitigate the economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Program Explained: A Lifeline for the Vulnerable
For many people who lived through the economic turmoil of the pandemic, the NG-CARES program was a crucial intervention. Jointly created by the Nigerian Federal Government and the World Bank, its goal was to provide a safety net for the country’s most vulnerable groups, including poor households, small-scale farmers, and micro-businesses. The program offers direct grants, builds essential community infrastructure like boreholes, and provides training and supplies to help people recover.
The central focus of the meeting was to review the “Independent Verification Agents” (IVAs). These agents act as independent referees; their job is to audit the program and ensure funds are spent correctly and actually reach the people who need them. This review is critical for deciding whether these agents will be rehired for the program’s next phase, dubbed “NG-CARES 2.0.”
Delta State’s program coordinator, Dr. Pat Ogbewe, opened the meeting, emphasizing its importance. “This meeting underscores the authenticity and significance of our collective efforts,” she stated.
Federal and State Voices
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.
Giving a goodwill message, the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Pat Ajidua, highlighted the program’s achievements. “I am so honoured to stand before you today to review the performance of the Independent Verification Agents for the NG-CARES program,” she said.
“As the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Community Development, and a member of the Delta State D-CARES steering committee, I have had a firsthand look at the transformative impact of this program on our people and communities.”
She noted that her ministry directly oversees Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs) 1.3 and 1.4, which focus on providing grants to vulnerable households and delivering community-driven basic services and infrastructure. “I have seen meaningful change in the lives of our people. The success stories are a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, from program coordinators to community leaders who ensure that the benefits reach those who need it most.”
Ajidua added that the partnership between the state, federal government, World Bank, and verification agents has been key in ensuring accountability. “This process not only secures our past achievements but also builds the foundation for future support. I am confident that the insights we gain from this meeting will strengthen our collaboration and help us achieve even greater milestones in the next phase.”
Real Impact: Voices from the Community
The most compelling testimony came directly from beneficiaries whose lives were transformed by the aid.
- Mr. Sunday Isibor from the Oyoko community described the struggle for clean water before the intervention. “Our people travel long distances for water… you know what is involved when you take unclean water from the stream,” he said. The program funded two new boreholes for his community, drastically reducing water-related diseases.
- Ms. Elohor Efemeawoya, a poultry farmer, shared an emotional story of losing her entire farm to the effects of the pandemic. “We could not even rear a single bird… to the extent of my husband starting to quarrel in the house because he is now the sole provider,” she recounted. With support from NG-CARES, which provided her farmer’s group with chicks, feed, and training, she reported a dramatic turnaround: “My group has a two-thousand-birds capacity. We produce every month.”
Delta State Praised for Exceptional Performance
The World Bank’s representative, Mr. Lire Ersado, singled out Delta State for its exceptional work, calling it a “leading contributor.” He revealed that while the Federal Government accessed N2.2 billion, Delta State’s own commitment and impactful use of funds stood out. He stressed that the Bank’s focus is on “tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries” rather than just how much money is spent.
New Welfare Schemes Launched
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, used the platform to announce new initiatives under his government’s M.O.R.E Agenda, dovetailing with the NG-CARES success. He revealed that the program has already directly helped over 306,000 people in the state, with more than 1.2 million benefiting indirectly.
His new announcements included:
- A Widows’ Welfare Scheme: Providing 10,000 widows with a monthly stipend of N15,000 and free healthcare coverage.
- A MORE Grant Scheme: Empowering 5,000 women entrepreneurs with cash grants to expand their businesses.
The Governor also outlined the future “NG-CARES 2.0,” which will use a “Community Action” model, giving local communities more power to identify and drive the projects they need most.
The insights from this meeting will guide the World Bank and Federal Government in shaping the next phase of the program, aiming for greater transparency and impact for millions of Nigerians.
