Delta to support 100,000 SMEs with N5bn

The Delta State Government says it has commenced N5 billion grassroots empowerment scheme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries in the state.

The ​‌Executive Assistant to Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Olisa Ifeajika, said this while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Asaba.

Ifeajika said that the programme was designed to complement the administration’s investments in infrastructure with direct financial support for people at the grassroots.

He said each beneficiary would receive N50, 000 with the implementation channeled through Local Government Council Councillors.

According to him, Oborevwori has directed councillors to empower no fewer than 200 people in each ward.

He said the approach was adopted because councillors were closer to the people and could identify beneficiaries within their respective communities.

“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 the intervention would stimulate economic activities at the community level and improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries.

He said the financial support would enable small-scale entrepreneurs to sustain their businesses and provide additional assistance for their households as well as extended families.

“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 critical infrastructure.

He said the empowerment programme was part of efforts to ensure that the impact of governance was felt directly by residents beyond physical infrastructure.

Ifeajika added that further empowerment initiatives would be introduced in the months and years ahead to expand economic opportunities for the people.

“The lives of the people of Delta matter to the governor. He tells us that all the time; he describes himself as the servant of everybody,” he said.

He urged residents to continue supporting the administration as it pursued its development agenda and improved livelihoods.