Asaba, September 17, 2024 – In a strong demonstration of his administration’s efforts to combat economic hardship, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori inaugurated the 4th phase of the Delta State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program. Held at the Dome Event Center, Asaba, the flag-off ceremony marked a key milestone as 97,365 Deltans received financial support, pushing the total number of beneficiaries to over 208,000 since the program’s inception.
Governor Oborevwori expressed the strategic importance of the D-CARES program in advancing his administration’s MORE agenda, which prioritizes economic inclusivity and “Opportunities for All.” He reiterated the goal of the initiative, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that no Deltan suffers needlessly from the economic challenges plaguing our country. This program is designed to empower people, helping them create wealth, improve their standard of living, and contribute to the economic growth of our state.”
Highlighting the broad reach of the initiative, the Governor emphasized that D-CARES provides a lifeline to all Deltans, regardless of their socio-political background. He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the grants and starter packs efficiently, noting, “These interventions are intended to build long-term economic sustainability. I encourage all recipients to invest wisely and use this opportunity to better their futures and contribute to Delta’s development.”
Further underscoring the state’s commitment to empowering its citizens, Oborevwori announced that additional youth and science-focused empowerment programs would be rolled out later in the year through the Ministries of Youth Development and Science and Technology.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, outlined the details of the disbursement, noting that the 97,365 beneficiaries were drawn from six delivery platforms. These platforms included the State Cash Transfer Unit, Labour Intensive Public Workfare Unit, Livelihood Support Unit, Community Driven Development Social Implementation Unit (CDDSIU), the State FADAMA Coordination project, and the Delta State Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises Development program.
Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Member Representing Oshimili South Constituency, applauded Governor Oborevwori for his administration’s focus on poverty alleviation and wealth creation, noting the dramatic increase in beneficiaries from 36,353 to 208,209 in just one year. She called on all Deltans to support the MORE agenda, praising the initiative for its impact on vulnerable communities.
On behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe, Delta CARES Program Coordinator, expressed gratitude during the flag-off of the 4th phase of the Delta CARES (D-CARES) program. She thanked God for the opportunity to implement the program and acknowledged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the First Lady, Mama Delta, for their unwavering support in driving poverty reduction efforts.
Dr Ogbewe emphasized the Governor’s commitment to improving livelihoods through the MORE agenda, which provides a roadmap for poverty alleviation in Delta State. She extended appreciation to the D-CARES team, the Steering Committee, and partners like the World Bank for their dedication, which enabled 97,635 beneficiaries to receive support in this phase.
The vote of thanks also acknowledged the beneficiaries, reaffirming the program’s dedication to positively impacting their lives and communities. Lastly, she expressed gratitude to all guests, stakeholders, and volunteers for their support in the transformative journey.
The D-CARES program, backed by the World Bank and the federal government, continues to play a crucial role in uplifting vulnerable individuals, households, and small businesses across Delta State, contributing to the state’s broader vision of economic resilience and sustainable growth.
