
The Delta State Government has enjoined the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program to uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness in their implementation processes for the benefit of vulnerable individuals who need assistance to significantly enhance their well-being.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC), Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, stated this when he declared open a 3-day zonal training on grievance mechanisms for Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officers implementing the program across the country.
Mr. Ekedayen revealed that the training, organized by the Federal CARES Support Unit, is crucial to help strengthen the capacity of officers in effectively implementing the program and addressing various challenges encountered during implementation.
The commissioner, who disclosed that the NG-CARES Program was originally designed to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the most vulnerable in society, noted that it has evolved into a broader vehicle for addressing various socio-economic shocks in communities.
He charged the participants, saying the success of the NG-CARES Program will not only depend on the direct support provided to beneficiaries but also on their ability to uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the implementation process.
The National Coordinator of the NG-CARES Program, Dr. Abdulkarim Obaje, represented by the National Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Musa, said the capacity-building training on grievance mechanisms is organized in three zones across the country for officers to provide alternative solutions to resolve grievance issues amicably without resorting to court, police, or anarchy.
He urged participants to open their minds to get the best out of the program for the greater good of the beneficiaries, who are vulnerable and depend on them.
The Delta CARES Coordinator, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe, welcomed participants from Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, and Delta States to the program while assuring them of a warm reception and hospitality.
She enjoined them to make good use of the opportunity to sharpen their skills in recording significant milestones in reaching vulnerable populations.