Finance Commissioner Charges RIV-CARES Committee on Effective Programme Implementation

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning in Rivers State, Hon. Lekue Kenneth, has officially charged the members of the State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC) to ensure the flawless and successful implementation of the Rivers State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES) programme. Speaking during the formal inauguration of the committee, Hon. Kenneth emphasized the critical nature of the initiative in delivering socioeconomic relief to the citizens of the state.

RIV-CARES, which is a state-level adaptation of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) initiative, is designed to mitigate the harsh economic impacts of global shocks on poor and vulnerable households. The programme focuses on restoring the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, supporting micro and small enterprises (MSEs), and improving access to basic social services and infrastructural development across various local government areas in Rivers State.

A Call for Transparency and Dedication

During his address, the Commissioner urged the committee members to approach their duties with a high sense of responsibility, transparency, and dedication. He noted that the success of the RIV-CARES programme depends heavily on the strategic direction, supervision, and coordination provided by the SCSC. Hon. Kenneth stressed that every resource allocated must be utilized efficiently to achieve measurable results that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.

“The task before this committee is both a privilege and a heavy responsibility,” the Commissioner stated. “We must work collaboratively, leverage our collective expertise, and ensure that the delivery mechanisms are seamless. Our goal is to foster economic resilience and provide a safety net for those who need it most. We cannot afford any delays or inefficiencies in the execution of these vital interventions.”

Aligning with the State’s Development Agenda

The inauguration of the SCSC marks a pivotal step in aligning federal and state-level economic stimulus plans. By revitalizing local economies and supporting vulnerable groups, the RIV-CARES initiative directly complements the broader development agenda of the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The administration remains committed to human capital development, poverty reduction, and infrastructural advancement.

In conclusion, the newly inaugurated committee members expressed their readiness to hit the ground running. With the Commissioner’s charge serving as a clear roadmap, the RIV-CARES programme is poised to make a substantial, positive difference in the economic landscape of Rivers State, fostering growth and resilience from the grassroots upward.