By Abel Johngold Orheruata
The Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) has organized a three-day step-down training on Grievance Redress Mechanism, targeting key stakeholders to enhance transparency and accountability in social intervention programs. The event was held at the Best Western Plus Elomaz Hotels, Asaba.
The initiative, designed to ensure the satisfaction of project beneficiaries and other stakeholders, aims to strengthen the capacity of Delta State institutions and staff to address grievances effectively. By fostering inclusive communities, the program equips participants with the necessary skills to handle complaints fairly and resolve conflicts promptly.
Commitment to Effective Grievance Redress
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the Delta State Steering Committee on D-CARES, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, emphasized the significance of the training. He noted that it builds on a prior federal-level training facilitated by the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU) for states across Nigeria.
“This step-down training cascades the knowledge gained from the zonal training to our operations staff. It ensures that principles of grievance redress are understood and implemented across all levels, promoting consistency, efficiency, and accountability in our programs,” Ekedayen said.
He lauded the Federal CARES Support Unit for its guidance and expressed confidence that the training would enhance the state’s capacity to meet the objectives of the NG-CARES program. Ekedayen encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity, stressing their pivotal role in resolving grievances promptly to safeguard the program’s integrity.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua, reiterated the program’s commitment to establishing robust grievance systems while protecting vulnerable groups. She highlighted that the training aligns with global best practices, leveraging the World Bank’s frameworks to ensure comprehensive coverage.
“Grievance redress mechanisms are integral to World Bank-supported programs. Through D-CARES, we are strengthening these systems to promote fairness and inclusivity for all stakeholders,” Ajudua stated.
Empowering Stakeholders
In an interview, Dr. Patience Ogbewe, Secretary of the State Steering Committee and State Coordinator of D-CARES, emphasized the critical role of the training in enhancing grievance redress responses.
“The step-down training ensures implementers and beneficiaries understand their rights and responsibilities in raising and addressing complaints. This knowledge safeguards the program’s credibility and ensures its impact is sustained,” Ogbewe explained.
She further highlighted ongoing sensitization campaigns to educate the public about grievance reporting channels for issues such as project delays, unsatisfactory execution, or wrongful exclusion of beneficiaries.
Focus on Specialized Grievance Handling
The training also emphasized promoting collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders for a unified response.
“This coordinated approach strengthens the implementation of the NG-CARES program, ensuring protection and support for vulnerable populations,” Dr. Ogbewe added.
A Path to Transparent Governance
As Delta State advances its implementation of the NG-CARES program under Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, the step-down training reflects a broader commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and community trust in public initiatives.