D-CARES Expands to 247,000 Beneficiaries, Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Support
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme has recorded a significant milestone, expanding its database to 247,000 beneficiaries in 2024—an increase of approximately 205% within ten months.
The State Coordinator of D-CARES, Lady Patience Ogbewe, announced this on Thursday while hosting members of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council. She attributed the programme’s success to the unwavering support of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the commitment of her team.
“His Excellency, the Governor, has played a very vital role in ensuring that the D-CARES programme runs seamlessly in the state,” Ogbewe stated. She praised the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, who chairs the State CARES Steering Committee, for his dedication to ensuring smooth operations.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Ogbewe emphasized the transformative effect of social protection interventions. “Seeing beneficiaries move from a state of helplessness to regaining stability and hope is what development is all about,” she remarked.
Earlier, the Chairman of ICC, Comrade Kenneth Orusi, commended the programme’s leadership for its efficiency, transparency, and dedication to community development. He also urged continued support for journalists, many of whom are small business owners contributing to economic growth.
Orusi lauded the role of the programme’s media team, particularly Communication Officer Comrade Kenneth Obieh, for ensuring transparency. “In an era where misinformation spreads easily, an open-door policy for journalists is invaluable,” he noted, while also advocating for increased inclusivity in future empowerment initiatives.
