By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. (High Chief) Ezeyinli Kelvin Obi (Ph.D.), has flagged off the ₦100 million EKO Empowerment for Sheriff’s MORE Agenda, a landmark financial support programme designed to boost small-scale businesses, promote skills acquisition and reduce poverty across the council area.
The ceremony, held in Asaba, was graced by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, who represented Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, alongside party leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and members of the press.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Obi described the empowerment programme as a strategic intervention drawn from Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, targeted at strengthening entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly among youths and small business owners in Oshimili South.
“This programme is a clear demonstration of our administration’s unwavering commitment to empowering our people economically and promoting small-scale businesses as a pathway to sustainable development,” the chairman said.
He explained that the initiative would benefit 1,000 qualified entrepreneurs and artisans across the 11 wards of the local government area, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliation. According to him, special care was taken to ensure inclusiveness, with Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo communities fully represented.
Hon. Obi noted that many small business owners only require modest financial support, between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000, to restock, upgrade tools or stabilize their operations, especially during the festive season. “This empowerment is a turning point for many entrepreneurs who have long yearned for such timely intervention,” he added.
To guarantee transparency and credibility, the chairman disclosed that beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous vetting process involving ward leaders and community representatives, with proof of existing businesses or evidence of completed skills acquisition serving as key criteria.
Urging beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, Hon. Obi described the empowerment as a “golden opportunity” that must be maximized to achieve financial independence and long-term business growth.
The council boss also used the occasion to present an account of his stewardship since assuming office, highlighting several completed and ongoing projects. These include the commissioning of the Oko Event Centre; construction of open stalls at the Cable Point modern market; completion of the Oshimili South Local Government Plaza; ongoing construction of a new administrative secretariat; procurement of security vehicles and motorcycles; introduction of a security emergency shortcode (7745); provision of power infrastructure, including generators and transformers; youth digital skills training with laptops; health interventions; sports development through the EKO Cup; and disbursement of over ₦263 million in grants to religious, educational institutions, persons with disabilities and indigent residents.
Hon. Obi expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his continued support, as well as to the deputy governor for representing him at the event. He also thanked the legislative arm, executive team, council staff and the people of Oshimili South for their cooperation and trust.
The event concluded on a festive note, with the chairman wishing residents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering more people-oriented projects across the local government area.
