The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Monday flagged off the “Sheriff Cares” empowerment programme in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Economic planning, Mr.Sunday Ekedayen, who represented the Governor of Delta State, said the programme was the first act of thedomestication of the NG Cares and Delta Cares programme in the state.
Oborevwori said: “Governance is about people; this programme is key and it will be a template for other local government councils to emulate. A governor needs to impact positively on others and that makes you a true governor, which means you listen to your people.
“What we are about to witness here today is two very important porogrames. Firstly, we have the cash revolving scheme for traders and artisans, small loans that will help to address the difficulty and challenges of the artisans and traders in our various markets. This cannot be coming from anywhere but from a place of love.”
“This is a very important cash transfer to widows and the vulnerable in our community. We all know what is happening today; Inflation has eaten into every fibre of our economy; people have become a little poorer not because they are not hard working but because of the harsh realities brought about by the economic situation; so, any little assistance will go a long way.
“In mirroring the Delta Cares programme of the State Governor, this smart local government chairman has deemed it fit to also bring it down to the third tier of government, which is the local government; he deserves to be commended for a job well done.”
“This is like seed money to us, for our mothers, our sisters and our aunties. It may not amount to much but it is coming from a position of love and care. No matter how small it is, if this money is used judiciously, this little seed will grow up to become a big capital in no distant future and a person that cannot save a little money he has will not be able to save when he has a huge amount of money. Saving is something we must try and inculcate into our financial scheme so that we can migrate from that position of poverty into a position of financial sustainability.”.
“That is why this programme is good. It touches the lives of the people and this is what the governor and his administration stand for. Our people are very smart and they will put this money into judicious use. When they spend the money efficiently and judiciously, the financial challenges of meeting the needs of the families in their homes will be met and all the financial problems will be a thing of the past.”
“On that note, I am pleased and happy to be here to flag off this cash transfer initiative of the Warri South Local Government Chairman as well as the revolving business loans to market women and artisans. It is my fervent hope that this humble beginning will revolutionize our meagre financial resources into that level of sustainability for all of us.”
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, Mrs. Shimite Love, said: “I hail the chairman for being the pioneer of this programme, ‘Sheriff Cares’. I also commend the council for the initiative of the ‘Human Capital Development’, the first of its kind among the local governments in Delta State. It means that your chairman is a proactive chairman, a capacity chairman, a digital chairman. Chairman wey sabi.
“As Special Adviser on Trade and Export, my Office identifies cooperatives involved in the production of palm oil, gari, plantain chips, etc. We give financial aid to these categories of producers so that they can produce more. We have international partners to patronize them.
Most of my work will be based in the Warri axis, as the Warri Port is situated here. We want to make our port function again. That way, we will also ensure employment for the indigenous people here. There will be something for everyone at all levels. We will also welcome investors from across the country to come and do business here.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Warri South Local Government council, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro expressed his sincere gratitude to the governor of Delta state for giving him the opportunity to reach out to the less privileged and vulnerable among us, the market traders and others.
The Warri South council boss stated that he was given directives by the state governor to look for the most vulnerable ones, the widows, and the people living with disabilities.
Agbateyiniro said: “This money may not be big, but we want to use it as a wake-up call. This project, ‘Sheriff Cares,’ being launched today as directed by the governor for the widows and PWDs; twenty persons from each of the DSIEC wards in Warri South Local Government, all of which were sourced by the councillors, and additional fifty persons, people who may not be able to access the program from this area, which will make it four fifty persons. These four hundred and fifty people will benefit ten thousand naira throughout the lifespan of this administration, After the launch today, after every ward meeting, the monies will be sent directly to the beneficiary’s accounts.
“The Revolving Loan Scheme is for the market traders with a five percent interest rate, then ten million naira to each of the markets in Warri South Local Government. However, it should be noted that this is aloan. The money is not for free. If participants use these loans properly, there will be an increase. If not used properly, the programme will not yield good results.”
“The third programme, though not launched today, isan aviation training program for our youths. As decided by the ward excos, one beneficiary from each ward will be trained by the council to become pilots.”
“Five youths from each of the twenty DESEC wards for job empowerment, training and development.
“All of these are what the governor had in mind when he sent me on this project.
Let me also inform you that we took note of all the complaints we gathered throughout our campaigns. From ward to ward we compiled all in a supplementary appropriation bill which we recently submitted to the legislative arm. We have even started to work in places like Pessu market where construction of two abattoirs and a cold-room has begun. Rehabilitation of UCC road in Igbudu market will also commence within a week. Work will also start at the Omadino-Obodo Road. Repainting of the kerb on the major roads in Warri are also currently ongoing to beautify Warri South local government area, including the provision of waste disposal bins which will soon be installed within the environment; cleaning of the environment is ongoing.”
The supervising councilor for Human Capital Development, Hon. Misan Eke, in her remarks, said that she was happy to be able to flag off the empowerment of the vulnerable members of the community.
She explained that the widows’ support program aims to alleviate the economic hardship faced by the widows in the locality, and weather the challenges they encounter in maintaining economic stability and independence.
She also mentioned that for people with disabilities (PWDs), the support program recognizes the unique challenges faced by person’s living with disabilities in our community, the financial assistance will support their education, healthcare, or business ventures.
Hon. Misan further stated that “to ensure success of this initiative, we will organize regular sessions, workshops, and mentoring programmes to equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills and knowledge.”
She said, “The Sheriff Cares Programme demonstratesour unwavering commitment to social welfare and economic empowerment in Warri South local government area.”
