Expert calls for proper allocation of W’Bank resources to vulnerable groups in Nigeria

World Bank Expert Prof. Folusho Okumadewa has called for adequate allocation of the bank resources to tackle the problems faced by the poor and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

Prof. Okumadewa made the call at the National Peer Learning and Experience Sharing (PLES) event on Monday, organised by the Federal Cares Support Unit (FCSU) of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

This was contained in a statement by Olayinka Jimoh Salau, IEC Officer, who reported for Kwara State LIPW Office in Ilorin, from Abuja.

According to the statement, “the peer review learning programme, which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life as well as participants from the 36 States of the Federation, including the FCT, took place at Chida International Hotel, Abuja.

“Prof. Okumadewa, who is also the immediate past Task Team Leader (TTL) for the World Bank, urged the syndicate groups to come up with workable recommendations, which could be used to design the next phase.

“He described the PLES review event as an important one that will be useful in designing the next phase of the World Bank Project, advising the bank to have a programme that could always be activated whenever there are shocks.

Quoting Prof. Okumadewa, the statement said, “as soon as Covid-19 surfaced in Nigeria, the NG-CARES programme was put in place to mitigate the shock arising from the pandemic”, the Expert stated.

“Prof. Okumadewa welcomed participants to the peer review event and appreciated their continued commitment and dedication to the NG-CARES programme, which he noted had given the poor and vulnerable groups a new lease of life.

“The Expert also congratulated the NG-CARES Managers for contributing positively to ensure that the poor and vulnerable groups in our society do not suffer untold hardships.