Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state on Tuesday said his administration was determined to ensure that residents of the state do not unduly suffer from the economic hardship bedeviling the country.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed this at the flag-off of 4th disbursement of the Delta State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, D-CARES, held at the Events Centre, Asaba, at which 97,365 persons benefitted. The tally of beneficiaries on Tuesday brought the grand sum of beneficiaries of D- CARES to over 208, 000.
Oborevwori said the gesture in D- CARES was in furtherance of his administration’s desire to meet the component of inclusiveness of “Opportunities for All” in the MORE Agenda.
The Governor remarked that the 4th tranche disbursement marked another significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to the economic empowerment and welfare of the people.
He said: “As an administration, we seek to create avenues for every Deltan, regardless of their background or political affiliation, to access opportunities that will expand their enterprises, enable them to create wealth, improve their living conditions, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of our state.
“We want to make sure that our people don’t suffer; so, as governor for all Deltans, we will continue to do more for all Deltans without any sentiments.
“Today, we flag-off disbursements for the 4th Phase of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (DELTA-CARES) Programme.
“This is not just a continuation of this initiative, but also a testament to our administration’s determination to build a state where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
“It is gratifying to note that the Delta CARES Programme has touched lives, provided critical support to households and small businesses. Their stories of resilience and renewal continue to inspire the work we do.
“This current phase of implementation represents more than just another stage in the DELTA CARES Programme. This initiative reflects our strong conviction that prosperity should be shared, and that every citizen deserves a fair chance at achieving their potential.
“As we roll out this 4th phase, we are proud to announce that over 97,000 beneficiaries will be empowered. We must, however, note that this figure is more than a number; it represents individuals, families, and communities.
“From grants to small businesses, to providing support for poor and vulnerable households, we are delivering real change, and it is our hope that this intervention will increase and create ripples of development across Delta State as we continue to do MORE for our people.
“Let me extend my heart-felt congratulations to the beneficiaries of this phase. I urge you to make the most of the support you receive today.
“Use it to grow, to invest, and to uplift those around you. You are part of the collective effort to move Delta State forward, and, together, we will achieve greatness.”
The Governor also said the Ministry of Youths Development as well as Science and Technology would also roll out empowerment programmes before the year ends.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC), Mr Sonny Ekedayen, said DELTA-CARES was a World Bank project in partnership with the Nigeria: Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme NG-CARES.
Ekedayen, while commending Governor Oborevwori for the massive increase in number of beneficiaries, said 97,365 Deltans, across six delivery platforms comprising State Cash Transfer Unit, 9,845; Labour Intensive Public Workfare Unit 10,000; Livelihood Support Unit 7,000; Community Driven Development Social Implementation Unit (CDDSIU) 60,000 (60 micro-projects) benefited under result area 1.
He added that 6,020 benefited through the State FADAMA Coordination project under result area 2, while 4,500 benefited through Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development under result area 3, thus bringing the total beneficiaries under 4th tranche to 97,365, while overall total beneficiaries now stood at 208,209.
In her goodwill message, the Member Representing Oshimili South State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, who commended Governor Oborevwori for increasing the beneficiaries from 36,353 to 208,209 in one year, said the programme was a life line for the economically- disadvantaged population and charged beneficiaries to put the start-up packs to maximum use.
Anyafulu, who is Chairman, House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl- Child Entrepreneurial and Humanitarian Support Services, also lauded Governor Oborevwori for always giving priority attention to programmes aimed at poverty alleviation and wealth creation. She called on Deltans to throw their weight behind the administration’s MORE agenda.
