Over 5,000 Benefit From Gov. Oborevwori’s ‘MORE Grant Scheme.’

Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has launched the MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs with 5,426 people from the state’s poorest and most vulnerable households benefiting.

Governor Oborevwori spoke at the formal launch of the M.O.R.E Grant Scheme at Asaba’s Event Centre, describing the initiative as a comprehensive support system that would empower 5,426 Deltans, including 1,600 petty traders, 1,826 artisans, and 2000 female entrepreneurs across the state.

He described Delta State as being rich in talent and ambition and praised the artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs for being the unsung heroes of the state’s local economies.

He stated, “Your hard work, creativity, and perseverance are the driving forces behind the vitality and resilience of our local communities. As we recognise your invaluable contributions, I want to reiterate the state government’s commitment and willingness to support your efforts.

“The MORE Grant Scheme is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change, as it provides critical resources to help you grow your businesses and improve your livelihoods.

“To our petty traders from low-income and vulnerable households, despite the daily challenges of life, you have continued to work for a better future for your families and communities through your small businesses.”

“As a demonstration of faith, the MORE Grant Scheme will continue to provide you with the financial assistance you require to improve your businesses, as we remain committed to transforming small businesses into thriving enterprises, thereby improving our people’s quality of life and contributing to the state’s economic growth.”

He challenged artisans to use their skills, craftsmanship, and dedication to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and promote sustainable living.

The Governor went on to say, “The grant being given out today will help you acquire better tools, access quality materials, and reach wider markets, which will, in turn, propel our people’s rich traditions to new heights.

“To our female entrepreneurs, you represent strength and innovation. Despite facing numerous challenges with courage and determination, you have continued to break down barriers and establish new standards. I am very proud of you.

“This grant programme is designed to provide you and other young women with the resources and mentorship they need to grow their businesses and inspire other women to follow in your footsteps.

“Your success is critical to our state’s progress, and we are committed to supporting your entrepreneurial journey every step of the way.”

Governor Oborevwori assured the beneficiaries that the state would provide workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programmes to help them gain the knowledge and skills required to succeed in today’s competitive market.

“We want to build a community of empowered individuals who collaborate, innovate, and support one another,” the governor stated.

In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services, and Girl-Child Development, Orode Uduaghan, stated that the project was divided into three phases, each carefully designed to empower specific segments of the state and benefit over 5,000 people.

Uduaghan revealed that the first phase of the project ‘targets the heartbeat’ of the state’s local economy, the petty traders, who, she claims, contribute immeasurably to the state’s tapestry of communities.

According to her, the state government’s MORE Grant Scheme aimed to revitalise their businesses, saying, “We are aware of how impactful even a small additional capital can be for these petty traders who work tirelessly to make a living.”

Weyinmi Eribo and Nneka Okekearu, the event’s keynote speakers, affirmed that human capital development was a platform for breaking the cycle of poverty and praised the governor for providing resources to grow small and medium-sized businesses.

They pledged to work with the state government through their agencies to mentor young entrepreneurs from the MORE grant scheme on how to grow their businesses into large-scale enterprises.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr Paul Onwochei (Delta North), Ogemuno Endurance (Delta Central), and Shodipe Gbubemi Sarah (Delta South), thanked Governor Oborevwori for providing funds to help them expand their businesses and urged him to continue the programme so that more Deltans could benefit.

The symbolic presentation of cheques to some of the more than 5,000 beneficiaries was the event’s high point.