Stakeholders from across the South-South gathered in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday for the NG-CARES South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting, with calls for deeper grassroots impact and stronger accountability in the programme’s next phase.
The meeting, attended by representatives of the World Bank, the Federal Government, state governments, and implementing partners, focused on assessing the role of IVAs in 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, Kingsley Emu, commended the collaboration among all tiers of government and partners in sustaining NG-CARES. He noted that while the initiative started as an emergency intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has grown into a long-term development tool.
“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,” the governor said.
Oborevwori stressed that IVAs remain crucial to transparency and accountability, adding that deliberations at the review would shape their re-engagement in NG-CARES 2.0. He explained that the next phase will adopt a community action model, empowering communities to identify and implement solutions themselves.
“This grassroots-driven model empowers communities to identify their own needs, implement solutions, and take ownership of interventions such as the construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructure. By putting communities at the heart of implementation, NG-CARES 2.0 will deliver deeper impact, stronger accountability, and more sustainable development,” he added.
World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado, announced that the Bank has committed $700 million to support NG-CARES across Nigeria and praised Delta’s strong counterpart funding. “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 emphasized that the World Bank’s priority remains “tangible, measurable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, micro and small businesses, and vulnerable households across the federation.”
In her welcome address, Delta State D-CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe, highlighted the significance of the review. “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important South-South Zonal Performance Review Meeting of the Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) engaged under the implementation of NG-CARES 1.0. This gathering underscores the authenticity and significance of our collective efforts in strengthening accountability within the NG-CARES Programme,” she said.
She further noted the nationwide nature of the exercise. “It is worth noting that similar review meetings are simultaneously being held today in Nasarawa and Kebbi States, further reflecting the nationwide commitment to transparency and impact assessment. We are especially delighted to receive our colleagues from Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, and of course our Delta State D-CARES participants. Your presence here reinforces the collaborative spirit that drives the success of this intervention,” Ogbewe remarked.
She assured participants of fruitful outcomes. “This meeting is envisioned as a crucial step in evaluating the performance of our implementing partners and ensuring that NG-CARES remains true to its mandate of delivering real and measurable benefits to our people. We are confident that the outcomes of this review will provide a clear roadmap for strengthening the programme and guiding the effective engagement of Independent Verification Agents under the NG-CARES 2.0 dispensation,” she concluded.
