Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has presented start up packs to 311 beneficiaries of the Women Economic Skill Acquisition Programme, WESAP of the state government in his determination to expand the frontiers of entrepreneurial development in the state.

The beneficiaries were made up of 220 women trained in fashion and design, hair dressing, catering, decoration and event management and make up/gele tying as well as and 91 persons with disabilities who were trained in ICT, confectionaries, fashion and design, leather work and industrial production.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said his administration was fully committed to empowering citizens of the state to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their full potentials and happiness.

“It is evident from the joy and excitement on the faces of our beneficiaries today that this intervention by the state government serves as a much-needed relief and a beacon of hope.

“We all understand how painful and frustrating it can be to possess a vision but lack the means to actualize it. Many of these men and women have acquired essential skills in their chosen fields of enterprise but, unfortunately, have not had the capital to launch their dreams.

“Through a rigorous process of interviews and selection conducted by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, these individuals have been recommended for support by the state government.

“Today’s event marks another significant milestone in our administration’s journey to provide opportunities for all, in line with our MORE Agenda. As a government, we are fully committed to empowering our citizens to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their full potential and happiness.

“Today, we are proud to empower 311 individuals, providing them with tools to transform their lives. Economic inclusion is the key to social cohesion in any society.

“When citizens are not deprived or disadvantaged and are given the opportunities to grow in an enabling environment, they thrive. This is the essence of our administration’s various social investment programmes,” the governor said.

He disclosed that significant progress has been made in empowering Deltans within this year alone, adding that over 203,204 persons have benefitted from various empowerment platforms of the state government.

The Governor said 426 artisans, petty traders, and female entrepreneurs have been supported, pointing out that 6,000 farmers have received empowerment, with fertilizers distributed across the 25 local government areas of the state.

“Let me, also mention the focus on Agriculture under the Result Area ll of the Fadama Food Security of the D-CARES Scheme as well as the release of ₦1 billion counterpart funding from the African Union Development Agency, New Partnership for Africa Development to empower 2,000 farmers for food production in the state.

“To our esteemed beneficiaries, I have a few words of advice. As you begin your entrepreneurial journey, I urge you to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Justify the trust the government has placed in you by using these resources wisely. Remember, selling your starter pack or misusing the support given to you is a disservice to yourself, your community and the vision of this initiative,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua said the event marked another milestone in the state government’s commitment to ensure empowerment and inclusivity in building a more prosperous Delta State.

She disclosed that the ceremony was a significant step in fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate to mainstreaming gender and human rights perspectives across all levels and to ensure that women and vulnerable groups were empowered to guarantee peace and sustainable development.

She applauded the Governor for his passionate and patriotic commitment to the socio-economic welfare of Deltans.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu and the Chief Job Creation Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Egwunyenga said the empowerment programmes of the present administration were aimed at wiping poverty out of the state and advised beneficiaries not to allow anyone deceive them to sell their start up packs.