The First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on Wednesday, hosted an end-of-year banquet for the wives of traditional rulers and 250 market women from the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.
The event, held under the auspices of her foundation the ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’, took place at the Banquet hall, Government House, Asaba.
Deaconess Oborevwori expressed her gratitude to God for the opportunity to host the second edition of the event and also get to meet the wives of the traditional rulers for the first time.
“I am meeting with the Queens for the first time, their presence has added colour to this event, and everyone is shining and looking healthy. For the market women, the first time we met, we established a relationship which by the grace of God has come to stay,” Deaconess Oborevwori stated.
She recalled her campaign promise to empower market women, which was met with scepticism of abandonment after political campaigns.
However, she stated that with the support of her husband, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, she has been able to fulfil her promise to the market women assuring to sustain the annual event till the end of the administration.
Deaconess Oborevwori added that in the cause of the year, one thousand petty traders were empowered through the Renewed Hope Initiative of Senator Oluremi Tinubu and her Husband, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
She further urged the women to continuously support her husband’s administration to deliver the dividends of the MORE agenda.
Earlier, in a welcome address by the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Mrs Catherine Onyeme applauded Deaconess Oborevwori for believing in empowering women and ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also reflected in the decision that shapes the State at Large.
She also encouraged the Market women to remain steadfast in their efforts and contributions to the growth of the state adding that they are the backbone of the State’s economy.
In goodwill messages, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua thanked the Governor for working through his wife to empower women. She assured the women that they all matter and thanked the Governor’s wife for beautifying the queens and putting smiles on the faces of the market women.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida emphasized the administration’s commitment to empowering women by issuing refundable grants to enable their businesses to thrive. However, he noted that women’s mindsets must change to achieve this goal.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Women Development, Deaconess Eunice Anirah, appreciated Governor Oborevwori and the First Lady for keeping to the message of hope. She also charged the rural mothers and the market women with resembling the life of Christ in their businesses and kingdoms.
In their separate remarks, leaders of the traditional rulers wives and market women, lauded the initiatives of the governor’s wife and the development strides of Governor Oborevwori. They reaffirmed their commitment to the present administration pledging to support the programmes and policies in their various communities.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of cash sums and gift items by Deaconess Oborevwori who also announced support for one of the market women who lost her shop to a fire inferno.
