Programme intended to improve macro-economy of Delta State – Commissioner; Calls for massive support for the Governor’s MORE-Plus Agenda
Programme aims at bringing beneficiaries to a level better than where they were in line with SDG 2 – Coordinator
By Wilbet Ijeoma
The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was received with a resounding welcome at Ogbe-Udu community hall in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State on 31st October 2026 during the presentation of Agric Inputs and vouchers to 70 beneficiary farmers in continuation of the DELTA-CARES programme Result Area 2 being implemented by FADAMA delivery platform.
The Governor who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, congratulated the 70 beneficiaries’ comprising 30 fish farmers, 20 poultry farmers, 10 vegetable farmers and 10 cassava farmers, which he said is a testament that the government truly works. According to him, 11 communities have been supported so far in Udu Local Government Area, assuring the people that the Governor provides opportunities for all Deltans in line with his MORE Agenda.
“As Deltans, I believe we’re smart enough to utilize these inputs judiciously and translate them into some level of economic sustainability;” Ekedayen stated, adding that with the improved breeds of inputs presented, there would be increase in yield that would translate to increase in income and food security.
The Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of State Steering Committee of D-CARES acknowledged a good representation of women amongst the beneficiaries, and urged them to utilize the opportunity to turn around their families’ economic condition. According to him, poultry farmers especially are likely to rake N1million from sales of chicken on maturity in a few months time, which could be reinvested in other profitable businesses.
Ekedayen noted that the programme was intended to improve the macro-economy of Delta State, and called on the people of Ogbe-Udu to support the reelection bid of the Governor and all APC candidates in appreciation.
The State Coordinator of D-CARES, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe, speaking during the event, did not hesitate in thanking the Governor for supporting Deltans and the Honourable Commissioner for making sure these inputs are well distributed, noting that the successful implementation of the D-CARES programme is evidence of good democracy.
According to her, this programme is not peculiar to Delta State alone as it is running across the 36 states of Nigeria including the FCT. “It is an NG-CARES programme domesticated in Delta State as D-CARES, and Delta State has gone beyond the mark;” Ogbewe remarked.
Speaking further, the State Coordinator noted that the developmental objective of D-CARES is to bring beneficiaries to a level better than where they were, in line with Sustainable Development Goal SDG 2 which spells an end to hunger.
Ogbewe therefore urged the beneficiaries not to sell their inputs but put effort to nurture them and get good results.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the State Project Coordinator FADAMA/Technical Head D-CARES RA2, Therese Omame congratulated the beneficiary farmers for holding on and believing in the government even when others were skeptical about the programme, adding that the day’s event has brought the programme to materialization. According to her, some persons doubted the programme during community sensitization and walked out, and now may have a cause for regret.
She called on the beneficiaries to appreciate the Governor who made the programme a reality and wished them fruitful utilization of the farm inputs which she believes would translate to a better life.
Community spokesperson Mr Augustine Lajaibo was full of praises to the Governor for empowering his people, believing it would be useful and translate to a better life. He assured the Governor of his people’s support for his reelection which will surpass records of previous elections.
One of the beneficiaries and a community leader Mr Sido Efeoghene Nathaniel, who spoke to journalists, thanked the Governor for the handshake of love for his community. According to him, some neighboring communities have benefited which made their community leaders reach out to FADAMA and register their intent. He dismissed the concerns raised over politicization of the selection, affirming that the programme was adequately publicized and facilitated by the community leadership and not politicians. He also confirmed that some persons withdrew in the process when money was involved to open a cooperative account, but now have seen that the programme is a reality.
Merry Ohwojevwe, a vegetable farmer beneficiary, appreciated the Governor for his kind gesture to the people irrespective of political affiliations, believing that it would transform their lives for better. She confirmed that some neighbouring communities have benefited, which made them believe it will get to their turn, while assuring that the people of Ogbe-Udu would support the Governor massively for his kind gesture.
The Commissioner led the presentation of the inputs to the beneficiaries, and charged them to put the inputs to.good use. The beneficiary groups include Ogherhimor cassava farmers represented by Vick Clark, Favour fish farmers represented by Patrick Kona, Prudence poultry farmers represented by Godwin Okomitete, Ejiroghene vegetable farmers represented by Ohwojevwe Merry. The beneficiaries’ thanked the Governor for the support as they are hopeful it will change their lives for better, while assuring their full support for the Governor’s MORE plus Agenda.
Also present in the event were Head of Operations D-CARES Coordinating Unit Mr. Christopher Oyenike, Special Adviser to the Commissioner for Economic Planning Hon. Charles Iyoha, Ogbe-Udu community spokesperson Mr Augustine Lajaibo, community leader Mr Sido Efe Nathaniel, as well as staff of the D-CARES office.
Highpoints of the event were opening remarks, State Coordinator’s and Commissioner’s addresses, presentation of inputs vouchers and the agric inputs to beneficiaries, press interview and group photograph.
