In a bold step towards enhancing service delivery and building long-term resilience among Delta State’s most vulnerable populations, the State CARES Coordinating Unit of the Ministry of Economic Planning, in collaboration with BT&C Services Limited, is organizing a two-day training programme on the Management of Sustainable Development Programs for Resilience.
The initiative, which took place under the auspices of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme, marked a critical turning point in how state actors approach public service and community engagement.
Delivering a compelling address at the opening session, Hon. Sunny Ekadeyan, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, announced a paradigm shift in the way government personnel relate with the vulnerable population.
“They are no longer just beneficiaries,” he declared. “They are now our customers. And the moment we begin to see them as such, our approach changes, we treat them with dignity, urgency, and professionalism.”
Hon. Ekadeyan emphasized that the training curriculum had been deliberately crafted to move beyond textbook theories, focusing instead on practical, human-centered approaches that reflect the real-world challenges of service delivery.
“This course is tailored to prepare us not just for spreadsheets, but for the human complexity of our work.
“The people we serve are different in needs and expectations, and we must develop the emotional and professional intelligence to meet them where they are,” he added.
The training, which brings together key implementing staff of the Delta CARES Programme, is a forward-looking investment in the people behind the scenes, those deployed as “foot soldiers” to interface directly with communities across the state.
Welcoming participants to the training, Lady Dr. Pat Ogbewe, State Coordinator cum Secretary of the Steering Committee D-CARES, stressed the strategic importance of continuous capacity building, especially as the programme transitions into NG-CARES 2.0.
“This is not just another workshop,” Dr. Ogbewe said. “It is a pivotal part of ensuring our eligibility and effectiveness in delivering results under the next phase of the CARES programme.
“Where NG-CARES 1.0 was about immediate recovery post-COVID, version 2.0 is about long-term resilience, equipping both the people and the system to withstand future socioeconomic shocks.”
She added that participants would be exposed to transformative modules covering project management, leadership, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, personal effectiveness, and more practical skills essential for delivering measurable impact.
Participants were urged to maximize the opportunity by engaging actively, sharing field experiences, and committing to applying the knowledge gained in their everyday roles.
With this capacity-building initiative, Delta State is reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance, professionalism, and people-focused development, ensuring that the poor and vulnerable are not just supported, but served with the dignity and excellence they deserve.
