Fifty Petty Traders from Uwheru community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have received financial empowerment from “You Matter Charity Foundation Market Outreach”, an initiative of the wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess (Mrs) Tobore Oborevwori.
The Governor’s wife at the flag off of the event, said the empowerment programme, which will be implemented across the state, is aim at supporting small-scale businesses, especially those run by women and low-income traders.
Deaconess Oborevwori, who is the Founder and Chairperson of the “You Matter Charity Foundation”, stated that micro-economy of Delta State, particularly petty trading, is very dear to her heart and critical aspect of the development agenda of the state government.
Represented by the Ughelli North Coordinator of the Foundation, and Wife of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Evangelist (Mrs) Joy Mariere, Mrs Oborevwori restated her commitment to supporting small scale businesses to grow and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development.
The wife of the Governor recalled that before the present administration came into power, she personally initiated a market-to-market campaign in Uwheru to mobilize support for the election of her husband, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, which yielded positive results.
She explained that the latest empowerment was a way of reciprocating the goodwill by helping traders improve their businesses, even as she urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds received to expand their ventures and become more financially independent.
Deaconess Oborevwori also encouraged traders who are yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the ongoing voters registration exercise, emphasizing that the process is free and remains a valid requirement for participating in governmental programmes and activities.
She stated that during the earlier phase of the empowerment scheme last year, some residents doubted its authenticity and failed to register, stressing the need for the people to have faith in the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which focuses on delivering more infrastructure, social, and economic programmes for Deltans.
Mrs Oborevwori announced that subsequent phases of the empowerment programme will extend to other communities within Ughelli North, including Otowodo, Aghara, Agbarho, Orogun, and Ughelli Main Markets, even as she revealed that the programme is strictly designed for indigent traders within localities.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Christiana Etagbwdavbe expressed gratitude to the wife of the Governor for her benevolence and commitment to grassroots development and assured that the traders would utilize the funds effectively to improve their livelihoods.
Mrs. Etagbwdavbe added that although many were initially skeptical about the verification process, the transparent execution of the programme had restored their trust and pledged the continued support of Uwheru women for the present administration, describing it as one that genuinely cares for the welfare of Deltans.
Of the fifty traders shortlisted for the financial empowerment, forty-one were present to receive their funds.
The remaining nine beneficiaries were advised to contact the Ughelli North Coordinator of the Foundation at a later date for collection.