Rivers State is set to begin Phase Two of the RIV-CARES programme, as disclosed by the Acting Auditor-General of the State, Dr. Yorkina Barisua, during the RIV-CARES Phase One Performance Review Retreat.
Barisua said the retreat was organised to review challenges, consolidate achievements, and strengthen accountability as the state prepares to move into the next phase of implementation.
“We are here to assess our challenges and weaknesses, appreciate our successes, audit the programme accounts, and ensure strict adherence to value-for-money principles,” she said.
The Rivers State Government also reassured Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs) of its commitment to sustaining a peaceful and secure environment that supports partnerships, investments, and inclusive development across the state.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, while declaring the retreat open. He said collaboration with IGOs remains important to improving the welfare and living standards of people in Rivers State.
Dr. Anabraba noted that the state remains peaceful and open to partnerships that can accelerate economic growth and promote sustainable development.
“Rivers State is peaceful and open for partnerships and investments that will drive growth and development while simultaneously improving the welfare and living standards of our people,” he said.
He explained that one of the core responsibilities of government is to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of citizens through effective legal and institutional frameworks that enable programmes with direct social impact, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“This responsibility underscores the need for collaboration, partnership, and support from critical stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, individuals, corporate bodies, religious institutions, civil society groups, and citizens,” he added.
Dr. Anabraba described the Rivers Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES) programme as an initiative designed to achieve this objective. He said the administration of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, is driven by a vision of a greater Rivers State where every citizen enjoys the dividends of democracy through socio-economic projects.
According to him, this vision ensures that residents, regardless of social status, religion, or geographical location, benefit from development delivered in a safe, stable, and healthy environment.
The SSG also noted that while resilience in RIV-CARES is linked to human wellbeing, there is a need to build a resilient environment through the protection and preservation of biological diversity.
He said this would allow the environment to provide food and natural antibiotics against diseases, referencing the COVID-19 Pandemic that led to the initiation of RIV-CARES, which cannot be solved by financial interventions alone.
“This will also help with the mitigation and adaptation to environmental threats such as climate change and rising sea levels,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba commended the Office of the Auditor-General of the State and the State CARES Coordination Unit for organising the retreat to audit and assess implementation.
In his keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters and Social Development and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Prof. Peter Medee, described the retreat as a platform for reflection on achievements, challenges, and strategies for achieving programme objectives.
The retreat was attended by the Commissioners for Agriculture, Women Affairs, Commerce and Industry, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the Accountant-General of the State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, and stakeholders involved in RIV-CARES implementation statewide.
