…approves CONLESS for Delta Assembly workers, N15,000 for widows
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, on Wednesday, announced that his Administration had empowered a total of 266,737 Deltans through various social intervention and empowerment programmes across the State.
Governor Oborevwori made this known while delivering the State of the State Address to members of the Delta State House of Assembly at the Assembly Complex.
He stated that his Administration had been deliberate, intentional, and proactive in providing a safety net for vulnerable groups through well-targeted social protection initiatives, particularly in light of the current economic challenges.
The 266,737 beneficiaries were empowered through several programmes, including the Delta CARES (D-CARES) Programme, Women Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (WESAP), Working Fingers Initiative, MORE Grants Scheme, MORE Biz-Up Programme, and the Widows Welfare Scheme, he explained.
Under the D-CARES Programme, the governor said 247,000 Deltans had been empowered, noting that the release of N1 Billion as counterpart funding for the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), had supported 2,000 farmers engaged in food production, livestock, and aquaculture.
He stated that 220 women were recently trained in fashion design, hairdressing, catering, decoration and event management, as well as makeup and gele tying under the WESAP initiative.
He added that the programme was extended to 91 people living with disabilities, who were trained in ICT, confectionery, fashion design, and leatherwork.
“We also distributed fertilizers to farmers across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State to support our efforts in ensuring food security,” the governor said.
He explained that the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development had trained and supported 2,000 women across the State in practical skills, mental health education, and entrepreneurship under the Working Fingers Initiative.
Through the MORE Grants Scheme, the State Government has empowered micro and small-scale businesses, offering financial support to 5,426 petty traders and small business owners in response to ongoing economic hardships, noted the governor.
“Through the Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, we have supported 2,000 MSMEs with funding and business support packages under the MORE Biz-Up Programme.
“These programmes underscore our unwavering commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy that uplifts the most vulnerable and promotes shared prosperity.
“This administration holds the welfare of widows in high regard, and we will continue doing everything within our power to improve their quality of life under the Widows Welfare Scheme.
“I have just approved the payment of a N15,000 monthly stipend for 10,000 widows across the State”, he noted.
