By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
In a strategic move to enhance the efficiency of its frontline managers and prepare for the rollout of the NG-CARES 2.0 initiative, the Delta State Government has commenced a two-day intensive training for key management staff of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program.
The capacity-building workshop, themed “Management of Sustainable Development for Resilience,” is being held in Asaba through the State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU) of the Ministry of Economic Planning, in collaboration with BT & C Services Ltd.
In declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, emphasized the crucial role of continuous training in building a competent and responsive management workforce.
“Training is not just a routine exercise; it is the bedrock of capacity building. Our objective is to equip participants with practical skills in project management—ensuring timely delivery, strict budget adherence, and the achievement of measurable outcomes,” Ekedayen said.
He further highlighted that the training is designed to empower participants with tools to plan, implement, evaluate, and sustain development programs, especially in communities where resilience is essential.
The Commissioner also underscored the importance of public service ethics, reminding participants that they are the face of government in local communities.
“The people we serve are not mere beneficiaries—they are our customers. They must be treated with dignity and respect. As representatives of the governor, you must embody professionalism, empathy, and clear communication. We cannot afford to perpetuate the ‘servant-oga’ mentality in public service,” he charged.
Ekedayen stressed that how government officials engage with communities directly shapes public perception, making capacity building not just a necessity but a strategic imperative.
Earlier in her welcome address, the State Coordinator of Delta CARES Programs, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe, described the training as a strategic investment in human capital development, particularly for staff at the frontline of service delivery to Delta State’s poor and vulnerable populations.
“This training is not just another workshop; it is a critical requirement as we transition into NG-CARES 2.0. Our eligibility and continued participation in the program depend heavily on demonstrating our capacity to deliver results and sustain impact,” Ogbewe explained.
According to her, the training modules cover key areas such as project management, transformational leadership, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, time management, and personal effectiveness.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the sessions, actively engage with facilitators, share experiences, and commit to applying the knowledge gained to improve service delivery across the state.
Ogbewe also expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning and members of the D-CARES Steering Committee for their consistent support, as well as to the facilitators from BT & C Services Ltd. for partnering with the state in strengthening the program’s human resource base.
The training marks a significant step in Delta State’s commitment to enhancing resilience, reducing poverty, and improving the socio-economic well-being of its people through the CARES program.