The CARES readiness assessment team from the Secretariat of the Nigerian Governors Forum and the World Bank have given the nod for the implementation of the Nigerian COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus packages (CARES), domesticated in Cross River State as BEN-CARES.
This was disclosed during a 2-day assessment visit to Cross River led by the Executive Director of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, after a tour of facilities with the various implementation units in the state.
Briefing the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu and members of the State Executive Council during a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor yesterday in Calabar, Dr. Shittu disclosed that Cross River State was fully ready for the implementation of the program.
“CARES is a 2-year package intended to stimulate the economy of Nigeria, provide food security and enhance livelihoods. From our assessment thus far, Cross River is more than ready to kick-start this programme. We are very impressed with what we have seen so far.
“In view of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the world and crumbled sources of livelihood, the State Governors devised a means to cushion this effect. Implementation will kick-start by the first week of August this year”.
Speaking earlier on, Commissioner for International Development Corporation and Chairman of the state Steering Committee of CARES, Inyang Asibong, listed the 3 focal areas of the scheme to include sustainable livelihood, food security and micro small and medium enterprises development.
Dr Asibong said the program is intended to reverse the local economic downturn caused by the impact of the novel pandemic, enhance agro production and boost MSMEs.
“This intervention from the World Bank which we have domesticated in Cross River as BEN-CARES will surely advance the humanitarian passion of Governor Ben Ayade to Cross Riverians.
“The Federal Government and World Bank team have assessed us and found us ready to receive the Intervention. The programme will stimulate the economy and provide food security,” Commissioner Asibong said.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu commended the management teams of the Federal Government and World Bank for finding Cross River State worthy to receive the Intervention, which according to him, is in the best interest of Cross Riverians.
The visit to the Deputy Governor also had in attendance Commissioner for Commerce, Pst. Mrs Rosemary Archibong, Commissioner for Youths Development and Skills Acquisition Hon. (Signor) Omang Idiege, unit heads of the Federal Government/ World Bank delegation, Special Adviser on EDF, Hon Chief Mrs Marjorie Asuquo, SA on CED, Mrs Kate Ajibike, Chairman of the Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Mr. Tony Ikpeme, Executive Directors and other critical stakeholders involved in the implementation.
