Government News Source, 11 July 2020
…Mandates the team to work with the World Bank
The State Programme Team for the World Bank-Assisted COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Programme for Results has been inaugurated with the mandate to work with the World Bank to design and lead programme preparation activities for the State.
The Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, who stood in for the Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade performed the ceremony in the Government House, Calabar.
Professor Esu congratulated the team members for their appointment which he described as not just an appointment but a call to duty to struggle for the international cake for the state.
He said the CARES programme was born out of the programme of the Nigeria Governor's Forum (NGF) and impressed on the World Bank to assist in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country which is why as a response, the World Bank made available 750 million US Dollars for the 36 States and FCT.
The Deputy Governor asserted that the programme is geared to help in the recovery and to stimulate the economic which is seriously affected by the global pandemic.
He explained that the World Bank has its focus on food security with emphasis on livelihood support to the poor and vulnerable families and could be realised through micro, small and medium enterprises -SMEDA.
Professor Esu who expressed optimism on the ability of members of the team emphasized the need to support the programme to grow for the gross benefit of Cross Riverians especially in the COVID-19 Pandemic Periods.
The Commissioner for International Development and Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong intimated that the CARES initiative of the Nigerian Governor's Forum for the World Bank to support Nigeria to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and was unveiled to the 36 State Governors at the Governor's Forum in May 2020.
Dr. Inyang maintained that the total cost of the programme is 750 million US dollars to all the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory and will last 2 years between 2020 to 2022.
The component of the programme are food security and livelihood support for poor and vulnerable families as well as support to local economic activities especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
One of the members of the team, Mr. Fidelis Udie expressed gratitude for finding them worthy to serve in the capacity as members of the team and pledged to justify the confidence reposed on them.
