The member representing Ika ethnic nationality on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Hon. Cordelia Anyangwu has lauded the visionary leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in upscaling the local economy of the Ika people and Delta State through various economic programmes.
The DESOPADEC Commissioner made the commendation while presenting starter packs and cash awards to beneficiaries from Ika ethnic nationality under the DESOPADEC Skills Academy programme held recently at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
Hon. Anyangwu, while presenting some of the items alongside the governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon Johnson Erijo, said the initiative, which is an upgrade of the commission’s effort in putting smiles on the faces of Deltans, will no doubt raise entrepreneurs who would contribute significantly to the economic fortunes of the state.
On behalf of the good people of Ika nation, she appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the support given to the Commission, emphasizing that it would drastically reduce unemployment and poverty.
The commissioner representing the Ika people admonished the beneficiaries from the ethnic group to continue to support the state government in the delivery of the MORE agenda even as she advised them to make good use of the items to better their lives.
She assured the Ika people that More dividends of democracy are on the way for them as the Oborevwori-led government through DESOPADEC is committed to realizing the dreams and aspirations of the oil-rich region.
Some of the beneficiaries from Ika ethnic nationality including Prudence Ossai from Ika South Local Government Area, who noted her selection was devoid of any political influence expressed delight that the empowerment came to fruition promising to make good use of it.
Starter packs worth hundreds of millions of naira and seed fund of five hundred thousand naira were presented each to two hundred DESOPADEC Skills Academy beneficiaries.
Another five hundred women across the ethnic nationalities received a hundred thousand naira each as a grant to improve their existing businesses.
The Oil Commission has set up a monitoring committee as part of steps to ensure that the beneficiaries make judicious use of the starter packs and money to become self-reliant.
