BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
In a strategic move to bolster the effectiveness of its management team ahead of the NG-CARES 2.0 rollout, the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES), in partnership with Briki Training and Consultants (BT & C) Services Ltd, has organized a two-day intensive training program themed “Management of Sustainable Development for Resilience.”
The training, held in Asaba, brought together key management staff from D-CARES to deepen their understanding of sustainable development practices, improve communication skills, and enhance resilience in program implementation.
Declaring the program open, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, emphasized the vital role of frontline staff in driving the vision of the state government.
“The people we serve are not mere beneficiaries, they are our customers and must be treated with dignity and respect,” Mr. Ekedayen said.
“As representatives of the governor, our staff must embody professionalism and empathy. We cannot afford to perpetuate a ‘servant-oga’ mentality in carrying out our services. Service delivery must be people-centered, built on mutual respect and clear communication,” he noted.
He further stressed that the staff’s engagement with communities directly shapes public perception of the administration, underscoring the need for continuous capacity building.
In her welcome address, the D-CARES State Coordinator, Lady Patience Ogbewe, described the training as a “smart investment” in the program’s human capital.
“As we prepare for NG-CARES 2.0, it’s essential that our managers, the core implementers of this initiative, are equipped with the tools, skills, and mindset to succeed,” she said.
“This training is designed to strengthen their ability to manage people effectively and deliver impactful results.”
The program facilitator, Mr. Andy Irabor, noted that the training is part of the World Bank-supported NG-CARES initiative, focused on building the technical and interpersonal skills of the program implementers.
“Our goal is to empower participants with the knowledge and competencies required to manage projects effectively, especially in engaging target communities and building resilience within vulnerable populations,” Mr. Irabor explained.
The two-day training marks a significant step in Delta State’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that those tasked with delivering aid and economic support are fully prepared to meet the demands of the next phase of NG-CARES.
