Beneficiaries of the state government’s sponsored empowerment programmes have been charged to see them as keys to unlocking opportunities, creating jobs and transforming their communities
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the charge on Wednesday in Effurun at the empowerment of beneficiaries of the fifth edition of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Skill Academy training programme
The Governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon Prince Johnson Erijo, assured that more of the empowerment programmes were underway, pointed out that his administration was committed to transforming the state to a hub of opportunity, innovation and growth.
He stated that government would continue to invest in the people, n infrastructure and in the future of the state, stressing that DESOPADEC, as an interventionist agency, had, through the empowerment programme, succeeded in initiating long-term sustainable development in oil producing areas it was established to serve their needs.
Oborevwori said the launch of the well resourced starter packs and seed money for the beneficiaries underscored his administration’s commitment to the growth, empowerment and development of the people, adding that it was another significant step towards realizing the collective vision for a better and more prosperous Delta State.
The Governor stated that the event was also a defining moment in the march towards achieving the dreams and aspirations of the people of DESOPADEC’s mandate areas, noting that the provision of the starter packs was to create an environment that could nurture the entrepreneurial spirit and equip the youths with the necessary tools to succeed.
He congratulated the beneficiaries for making it through the painstaking selection process and urged them not to take the opportunity for granted, while soliciting the support of traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders in ensuring that the full potential of the initiative was realized.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of DESOPADEC, Hon John Nani, reminded the beneficiaries that the initiative was a springboard to launch them to success and must not be abused, stressing that they should strive to justify the good intentions of the Oborevwori administration and impact on others.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Chief Festus Ochonogor, said the fifth batch was a departure from the previous one, explaining that it was specifically for brand beneficiaries who already had skills and needed to be supported to ply their trades.
Chief Ochonogor added that the selection of 500 women, from across the ethnic nationalities of DESOPADEC’s mandate areas, was ongoing, pointing out that when concluded each of them would receive a grant of N100,000.
DESOPADEC’s Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izuokumor, said the provision of starter packs and seed money was to bridge the gap between training and implementation and to equip the beneficiaries with the tools and funds necessary to establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of prototypes of N500,000 cheque to beneficiaries of the seed money by the Governor’s representative and some other dignitaries.
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