D-CARES Programme Strengthens Economic Stability in Delta State – Ogbewe

The Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme has reached a significant milestone, with its database expanding to 247,000 beneficiaries.

The number of direct beneficiaries increased from 36,353 to 110,841 and currently stands at 247,000  within a ten-month period in the year 2024, representing an approximate 205% increase.

This expansion underscores the programme’s commitment to providing economic stability and support to those in need.

This remarkable growth underscores the initiative’s ongoing efforts to provide critical financial and social support to vulnerable individuals and businesses across the State.

The surge reflects the government’s commitment to economic recovery and stability, ensuring that more citizens benefit from targeted interventions designed to mitigate the impact of economic hardship.

The State Coordinator of the Project, Lady Patience Ogbewe, announced this on Thursday, February 6, 2025, while hosting members of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council.

Group photograph of members of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council during the visit to D-CARES

She commended the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his pivotal role in facilitating the smooth implementation of the D-CARES Programme, acknowledging his unwavering support and commitment to its success.

She also expressed her gratitude to the members of her team for their commitment and cooperation on the project, describing them as wonderful people.

Hear her: “Actually, His Excellency the Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, has played a very vital role in ensuring that the D-CARES program, is run and implemented seamlessly in the state.

“Well, not that we don’t have, like you rightly pointed out, we didn’t have intrusions or people or persons wanting to interfere, but because of His Excellency’s commitment to the program, to the success of the program, we have been running smoothly.

“Because on my own, I cannot do anything, with God and also with the Excellency, the Governor’s support and positive support.

“Now, of course, we have a Chairman, you know, the program is run in such a way or designed

in such a way that we have a State CARES Steering Committee, and the Chairman is Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen.

Comrade Kenneth Orusi and Lady Patience Ogbewe

“He has been quite cooperative and very effective in ensuring that this program is run without any hitch. So, I really want to appreciate their support.

“And one basic thing I always tell people that I work with, is that the issue of passion. Passion is key in your deliverables. Passion is key if you need to deliver on any project that is given to you.

“Ability for you to bring out all that you have. Total commitment to a cause that you know is going to impact on the lives of individuals.

“That, again, is my driving force. The fact that when your development activities actually go down to the grassroots, where the people who need the assistance are.

“And when you see people who had been helpless, fallen, then with your intervention, their lives begin to change. When there was darkness, there seemed to be light.

“Somebody who, before now, was sick, is not able to buy the basic drugs. Probably a person is hypertensive and just watching the person going. But with your little intervention of social transfer, as little as N10,000 that may be sent to the person, is able to procure their drugs.

“And before you know what’s happening, you’re living better lives.

And you see the person there, the person whom you saw when you went to validate and you went to check and see how you can enroll and enlist the person as a beneficiary, lying down and helpless and everything.

“By the time you come for your monitoring, the person is the one showing you the road. I mean, so it’s like contributing to life, infusing life into persons.

“That is what development is all about. That’s what social intervention is all about. Social protection is all about protecting the people who ordinarily cannot help themselves.

“Because this intervention on social protection has to do with people who have already given up in the situation where they find themselves”.

Earlier, Chairman of ICC, Comrade Kenneth Orusi, who reflected on the progress made in the D-CARES, the evident transformation driven by dedication, strategic leadership, and a shared commitment to community development.

He appreciated the incredible work being done by the management team, under the leadership of a capable and visionary woman.

The Chapel Chairman said: “Since she came on board, we have seen significant improvements, not just in numbers but in the quality and reach of the program.

“The expansion of D-CARES beneficiaries and the increased awareness in communities are proof that the right strategies are being implemented.

“Equally, I must commend the media team, particularly the Communication Officer, Comrade Kenneth Obieh, for ensuring transparency and open communication”.

His efforts in bridging the gap between the media and D-CARES have ensured that the right narratives are being told.

“In a time where misinformation can easily spread, having an open-door policy for journalists is invaluable.

“As we celebrate these successes, I also want to use this opportunity to bring attention to the need for continued support for our members.

“Many of us are not just journalists but also small business owners striving to contribute to economic growth. The recent empowerment initiatives are commendable, but we hope to see more inclusivity in future distributions.

“Additionally, diversification opportunities, such as agricultural ventures, will provide sustainable livelihoods beyond journalism, and we urge the leadership to consider these proposals”.

He appreciated the state government for maintaining the integrity of this initiative, ensuring that it serves the people without political interference.

“D-CARES is a lifeline for many, and we are confident that with continued collaboration, it will reach even greater heights”.