The Delta State Government has announced that 75 beneficiaries of the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme have died over the past three years, even as 97,365 individuals have been empowered.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stated that the programme represents not just a continuation of the initiative but also a testament to his administration’s determination to build a state where every citizen feels a sense of belonging.
He said, “It gives me great pleasure to stand before you today as we mark yet another significant milestone in our commitment to the economic empowerment and welfare of our people.
“Today, we are launching the 4th phase of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme, D-CARES.
“As we roll out this 4th phase, we are proud to announce that over 97,000 beneficiaries will be empowered. We must, however, recognise that this figure 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 create ripples of development across Delta State as we continue to do more for our people.”
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Sunny Ekedenyen, formally announced a name change for the programme.
“I formally announce a name change for this programme, which we are all gathered here to discuss. By way of information, this programme, formerly known as ‘Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus – NGCARES,’ has been renamed by the Federal Government to ‘Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus.’ The acronym, however, remains the same.
“The Delta CARES programme was initiated as part of a broader national effort to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftershocks.
“It was designed to strengthen the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable while ensuring food security and promoting the recovery of small and medium-sized enterprises in our state.
“Since its inception, the Delta CARES programme has been a key pillar in the State Government’s efforts to support sustainable development and alleviate poverty.
“The impact of the programme on the fortunes of the beneficiaries has been evident. 110,844 individuals have so far benefited from this programme, mainly through grants, livelihood support, and improved rural infrastructure.
“Sadly, we have lost 75 members of this group between the third phase and now, when our team went to update our records for this 4th phase.”
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