Delta State’s D-CARES Program: Empowering Citizens, Enhancing Economic Growth

By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to meaningful development and realistic reforms in Delta State, staying true to his social contract with the people.

His administration’s focus is on creating opportunities for every Deltan to access resources that will expand their enterprises, enable them to create wealth, and improve their living conditions.

This vision is encapsulated in the MORE agenda, which prioritizes poverty alleviation and wealth creation.

In the light of the above, the governor has again reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the state do not suffer unduly from economic hardship occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic global economic meltdown.

Speaking on Tuesday at the flag-off of the 4th disbursement of the Delta State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that his administration seeks to create avenues for every Deltan to access opportunities that will expand their enterprise and prosperity.

This move is in tandem with the governor’s opportunity for all socioeconomic plan as encapsulated in the MORE agenda. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, he had remained focused on upscaling the wellbeing of the people, and working very hard to boost the state economy through financial assistance to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME.

As a well grounded politician and a leader who truly align with the needs of the people, the governor, through the instrumentality of D.CARES programme is touching thousands of lives, and empowering women, youths, artisans, skilled and unskilled Deltans with prime focus on raising millionaire Entrepreneurs that would consistently drive economic growth and creating wealth for families

Flowing from the above, the 4th tranche disbursement marked another significant milestone in Governor Oborevwori administration’s commitment to economic empowerment and welfare of the people, and over 97,000 beneficiaries were empowered in this phase, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 208,000.

This initiative reflects the administration’s strong conviction that prosperity should be shared, and every citizen deserves a fair chance at achieving their potential.

DELTA-CARES is a World Bank project in partnership with Nigeria Government’s Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme, NG-CARES.

The program has six delivery platforms, including: State Cash Transfer Unit, 9,845 beneficiaries, Labour Intensive Public Workfare Unit 10,000 beneficiaries
Livelihood Support Unit 7,000 beneficiaries, Community Driven Development Social Implementation Unit (CDDSIU) 60,000 beneficiaries (60 micro-projects), State FADAMA Coordination project 6,020 beneficiaries, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development 4,500 beneficiaries.

The DELTA-CARES program is more than just a numbers game; it represents individuals, families, and communities. From grants to small businesses, to providing support for poor and vulnerable households, the program delivers real change.

Governor Oborevwori urged beneficiaries to make the most of the support they receive, using it to grow, invest, and uplift those around them.

In the same vein, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Member Representing Oshimili South State Constituency, commended Governor Oborevwori for increasing beneficiaries from 36,353 to 208,209 in one year.

She called on Deltans to throw their weight behind the administration’s MORE agenda, which prioritizes poverty alleviation and wealth creation.

As the DELTA-CARES program continues to empower Deltans, it’s clear that Governor Oborevwori’s administration is committed to building a state where every citizen has a sense of belonging and opportunities to thrive.