Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has launched the MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans and female entrepreneurs with 5,426 persons from poor and vulnerable households benefitting.
Oborevwori, at the formal launch of the scheme in Asaba on Thursday, said the initiative was a comprehensive support system to empower the beneficiaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 5,426 persons comprise 1,600 petty traders, 1,826 artisans and 2,000 female entrepreneurs across the state.
While the governor acknowledged the state’s riches in talent and ambition, he commended the artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs for being the unsung heroes of the state’s local economies.
”Your hard work, creativity and perseverance are the driving force behind the vibrancy and resilience of our local communities.
”As we recognise your invaluable contributions, I reaffirm the state government’s commitment and willingness to support your endeavours.
“The MORE Grant Scheme represents a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change, as the programme provides critical resources that will help you scale up your businesses, and improve your livelihood,” he said.
He noted the efforts of petty traders from poor and vulnerable households in striving for a better future for their families and communities despite life’s daily challenges.
“As a show of faith, the MORE Grant Scheme will continue to provide you with the financial assistance necessary to improve your businesses.
“This we will do as we remain committed to turning small ventures into flourishing enterprises, thereby improving the quality of life of our people and contributing to the economic growth of our state,” he said.
The governor, therefore, charged the artisans to use their skills, craftsmanship and dedication to preserve the state’s cultural heritage through creative innovation for sustainable living.
R-L Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori presenting cheque to a beneficiary of the MORE Grant Scheme on Thursday in Asaba.
Oborevwori said, “The grant being given out today will help you acquire better tools,access quality materials, and reach wider markets, which will, in turn, take the rich traditions of our people to new heights.
“To our female entrepreneurs, you are the embodiment of strength and innovation.
”Despite facing numerous challenges with courage and determination, you have not stopped breaking barriers and setting new standards. I am proud of you.
“This grant scheme is dedicated to empowering you and more young women with the resources and mentorship needed to grow your businesses and inspire other women to follow in your footsteps.
“Your success is crucial to our state’s progress, and we are devoted to supporting your entrepreneurial journey every step of the way.”
He assured beneficiaries would be offered workshops, training sessions and mentorship programmes to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive market.
“We aim to foster a community of empowered individuals who collaborate, innovate and uplift one another,” the governor said.
Orode Uduaghan, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child Development, said the project was anchored on three phases.
She said each phase was carefully designed to empower specific segments of the state for over 5,000 beneficiaries.
Uduaghan disclosed that the first phase targeted the petty traders, as the heartbeat of the state’s local economy, contributing immeasurably to the tapestry of communities in the state.
According to her, with the MORE Grant Scheme, the state government aimed to infuse vitality in their businesses.
”We are aware of how impactful even a small additional capital can be for these petty traders who work tirelessly to make a living,” she said.
The keynote speaker, Weyinmi Eribo, Director-General, Women Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA), affirmed that human capital development was a platform to break the jinx of poverty.
She lauded the governor for providing resources to grow small and medium-scale enterprises.
Meanwhile, Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, who also commended the initiative, pledged to partner with the state government through its agencies.
She said that the partnership would help to mentor young entrepreneurs from the MORE Grant Scheme on ways to grow their businesses to become large-scale establishments.
Some of the beneficiaries, Paul Onwochei (Delta North); Ogemuno Endurance (Delta Central), and Shodipe-Gbubemi Sarah (Delta South), thanked the governor for providing them with money to expand their businesses.
They appealed to the state government to sustain the programme to pave the way for more beneficiaries.
The event’s highlight was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some beneficiaries drawn from over 5,000 persons.
