- Ogbewe Says Delta Ensuring It’s Ranked Among Best Implementers Of NG-CARES Programme
IN continuation of the Grievance Mechanism Training earlier facilitated by the Federal CARES Support Unit for states across the six geo-political zones of the country, the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program has organized a three-day “NG-CARES Step-Down Training on Grievance Mechanism”, which began yesterday, in Asaba, Delta State capital and will end tomorrow.
Recall that the training for the South-South zone was held at the same venue, Best Western Plus Elomaz Hotel, Asaba just a few weeks ago, where selected operations officers from participating states were equipped with essential skills and knowledge
The three-day training by Delta-CARES to replicate the NG-CARES Grievance Mechanism was described as a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of the D-CARES operations staff across the various delivery platforms. It is also in recognition of the importance of the initial training and a response by Delta CARES to the advice of the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU) for states to replicate the zonal training to enable their operations staff to be well-versed in the NG-CARES Grievance Mechanism.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony yesterday, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning/ Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, who was unavoidably absent, but whose address was delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Patience Ogbewe, Secretary, State CARES Steering Committee and Coordinator of the D-CARES program, noted that Delta CARES was being responsive to the FCSU’s advise to states to replicate the zonal training on Grievance Mechanism, saying that it will help to “cascade the knowledge and insights gained to our operations officers in the delivery platforms.
Ekedayen remarked that “the aim is to ensure that the principles and processes of effective grievance redress are thoroughly understood and implemented at all levels, thereby fostering consistency, efficiency and accountability across the program”.
“Distinguished guests and participants, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the opening ceremony of this Step-Down Training on NG-CARES Grievance Mechanism being organized by the Delta CARES Programme. As you are aware, this exercise is a continuation of the Grievance Mechanism Training earlier facilitated by the Federal CARES Support Unit for states across the six geo-political zones of the country”, Ekedayen remarked, adding that “Grievance redress mechanisms are essential components of social intervention programs, such as NG-CARES.”
He noted that they provide beneficiaries with channels to express their concerns, seek solutions and ensure that their voices are heard. Addressing grievances efficiently, not only resolves conflicts, but also strengthens trust in the processes and institutions responsible for delivering support to our people.”
“I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Federal CARES Support Unit for their guidance and support. We are pleased to have a representative of the National Coordinator with us as an observer, whose insights and expertise will undoubtedly enrich this training.”
Ekedayen advised the participants “to make the most of this opportunity. The success of the NG-CARES program depends not only on the disbursement of funds, but also on how effectively we address the challenges that arise”, while saying that their role is pivotal in ensuring that grievances are handled promptly and fairly, safeguarding the integrity of this program.
Declaring the three-day training open, Ekedayen expressed confidence that “this training will enhance our collective capacity to deliver on the objectives of the NG-CARES programme, contributing to the “Opportunities for All” component of His Excellency, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning, Mr. Frank Isume, whose ministry is warehousing the D-CARES program was represented by Director, Planning and Environmental Sector, Mrs. Nkechi Atogu. Other important dignitaries/stakeholders at the first day of the training included Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Rukevwe Agas, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ofowe, Patricia Uche Akamaguna of Delta State Ministry of Justice, among others.
On her part, Hon. Pat Ajudua said her ministry has series of experiences to share on mechanisms for tackling grievances, while Akamaguna also shared insights from the justice administration system regarding management of grievances.
Secretary of the State CARES Steering Committee and Coordinator of the D-CARES program, Dr. (Mrs.) Patience Ogbewe, while speaking with journalists after the opening ceremony of the training, yesterday, said seasoned facilitators have been selected to equip operations officers with necessary knowledge and tools required to handle grievances should they arise.
The step-down training by Delta CARES enters its second day today at the same venue.
