Delta govt approves N4bn to empower 1500 indigenes

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko Akuopha The Delta State Government has approved N4 billion to empower 15,000 indigent residents to support small businesses and entrepreneurship. The initiative is part of efforts to ease economic hardship across the state. The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.

The Commissioner who was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said beneficiaries will be drawn from the 25 local government areas under an initiative designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen the purchasing power of vulnerable residents. Aniagwu said the intervention would be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks, adding that the governor had directed that the selection process be guided by clear eligibility criteria.

According to him, priority will be given to indigent persons who already operate small businesses, those seeking to establish micro-enterprises and vulnerable residents who require financial support to improve their circumstances. He said the grant was intended to help existing businesses overcome economic challenges, provide start-up capital for aspiring entrepreneurs and enable beneficiaries to meet pressing needs.

The commissioner explained that the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Deltans.