The Delta State Government says it has commenced a N5 billion grassroots empowerment scheme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries.
Olisa Ifeajika, executive assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on public enlightenment, projects and policies, disclosed this on Monday in Asaba.
Ifeajika said the programme was designed to complement the administration’s infrastructure investments with direct financial support for residents at the grassroots.
He said each beneficiary would receive N50,000 through local government councillors, adding that Oborevwori had directed councillors to empower at least 200 people in each ward.
“With 500 wards in Delta, the programme is expected to cover 100,000 beneficiaries, representing a total outlay of N5 billion,” he said.
Ifeajika said councillors were chosen to coordinate the scheme because they were closer to residents and could identify beneficiaries in their communities.
He said the intervention would stimulate economic activities at the community level, help small-scale entrepreneurs sustain their businesses and support their households.
“Having provided critical infrastructure, the governor realised that the people are yearning for something more that touches their lives directly.
“He understands that as much as the people need airports, flyovers and roads, they also need some money in their pockets,” he said.
The governor’s aide said the administration had invested in roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure, adding that the empowerment scheme was intended to ensure residents directly benefited from government policies.
He said further empowerment initiatives would be introduced in the coming months and years to expand economic opportunities.
Ifeajika urged residents to continue supporting the administration’s development agenda.
