Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has scaled up the direct beneficiaries of Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) Programme from 36,353 to 110,841, an increase of approximately 205 per cent on the initial figure of 36,353 beneficiaries, reports Political Economist NG.

The Governor disclosed this at a townhall meeting with beneficiaries of the (D-CARES) Programme held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday.

He said he was happy to hear of the heartwarming and success stories of the beneficiaries and the positive impact of the activities of the D-CARES programme on their lives.

Political Economist NG quotes the governor as saying: “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%, 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 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.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Economic Planning/Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, said the state government, through D-CARES programme, has provided support to 36,353 direct beneficiaries at the inception of the present administration in the state.

Hon. Ekedayen noted that the figure had, in the last 10 months, increased exponentially by 74,488 to a total of 110,841 persons, representing an increase of approximately 205 per cent.

He pointed out that the result was a true testament to the commitment of Governor Oborevwori towards improving the lives and economic fortunes of the poor and vulnerable persons in Delta State as aptly represented by the letter ‘O’ which means opportunity for all in his MORE Agenda for Deltans.

According to him, the D-CARES programme was designed to focus on three key result areas which he listed as 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, 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.

The Coordinator said the Committee embarked on a journey of hope, empowerment and transformation in the process of implementing the D-CARES programme, adding that the state government had endeavoured to address the complete needs of the vulnerable population which she listed to include economic opportunities, access to healthcare, education, water and sanitation and  food security.

While saying that the D-CARES town hall meeting was quite apt, she expressed profound appreciation to the governor for his unwavering support  for the success of the programme in the state.