The Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme has achieved a remarkable milestone, expanding its database to 247,000 beneficiaries. In just ten months during 2024, the programme saw a significant increase in direct beneficiaries, rising from 36,353 to 110,841, and now standing at 247,000 — representing a notable 205% growth.
This expansion highlights D-CARES’ unwavering commitment to providing critical economic support to individuals and businesses in need, underlining the ongoing efforts to foster economic stability in the state. The growth further underscores the programme’s role in driving positive change, offering essential financial assistance, and supporting vulnerable communities amid the current economic challenges.
Lady Patience Ogbewe, the State Coordinator of the D-CARES Programme, shared this development on Thursday, February 6, 2025, during a meeting with members of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council.
Lady Ogbewe commended the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his vital role in facilitating the seamless implementation of the programme. She recognized his dedication and the substantial support that has been pivotal in ensuring the success of D-CARES.
“His Excellency the Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, has played a very vital role in ensuring that the D-CARES programme is run and implemented seamlessly in the state,” she stated. “With God’s guidance and His Excellency’s unwavering support, we have been able to run this programme smoothly.”
She also expressed her gratitude to her team for their dedication, noting that the success of the programme was driven by the passion and commitment of all involved. “Passion is key in delivering on any project,” she emphasized. “When your work impacts individuals at the grassroots level, the result is truly transformative.”
The Coordinator shared moving examples of how the programme has touched lives, from providing social transfers to those unable to afford life-saving medications to helping individuals regain independence and dignity. “We have seen lives change for the better,” she added. “Social protection is about helping those who cannot help themselves, ensuring they don’t give up.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Kenneth Orusi, acknowledged the transformative progress made under the D-CARES programme. He praised the leadership of Lady Patience Ogbewe for driving the expansion of beneficiaries and increasing awareness within communities.
He also commended the programme’s media team, specifically the Communication Officer, Comrade Kenneth Obieh, for ensuring transparency and maintaining open communication with journalists. “In a time where misinformation can spread easily, an open-door policy for journalists is invaluable,” Orusi said.
While celebrating the successes of D-CARES, Orusi also highlighted the importance of continued support for small business owners, many of whom are also journalists. He expressed hopes for more inclusivity in future empowerment distributions and urged leadership to consider diversification opportunities, particularly in agricultural ventures, for sustainable livelihoods.
“The state government deserves recognition for maintaining the integrity of the D-CARES initiative, ensuring it serves the people without political interference,” Orusi concluded. “We are confident that with continued collaboration, the programme will reach even greater heights, impacting more lives across Delta State.”
The D-CARES programme’s success demonstrates the power of effective leadership, community commitment, and strategic intervention in driving economic recovery and providing meaningful support to the most vulnerable citizens.
