No fewer than 500 women and youths from communities across the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District have received business grants, Point of Sale (POS) machines and entrepreneurship training under an empowerment initiative facilitated by the Senator representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 98 wards across the district, participated in a two-day capacity-building programme designed to promote entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and economic self-sufficiency.
The intervention featured practical business development training, financial management sessions and the presentation of certificates aimed at equipping participants with the skills required to establish and sustain profitable ventures.
Speaking during the programme, Senator Nwoko, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Engr. Emmanuel Eboh, said the initiative was conceived as a sustainable economic empowerment scheme rather than a one-off financial intervention.
According to him, the programme was structured to provide participants with both the knowledge and tools necessary to build successful businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He noted that beyond the financial support and business equipment provided, beneficiaries gained practical entrepreneurial skills that would position them for long-term economic growth and wealth creation.
“The essence of this programme is to empower our women and youths with the capacity to become financially independent. We are not merely distributing grants; we are equipping participants with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to create sustainable sources of income.
“The training they have received will help them navigate business opportunities and challenges, while the grants and POS machines will enable them to either establish new ventures or expand existing ones,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the senator, Dr. Michael Nwoko, described the programme as part of Senator Nwoko’s broader commitment to human capital development, economic empowerment and responsive representation.
He disclosed that over 1,220 women, youths, farmers and traders across Delta North had benefited from similar empowerment initiatives sponsored by the senator within the past three years.
Dr. Nwoko further stated that Senator Nwoko had complemented his legislative responsibilities with the execution of constituency projects and educational support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents across the district.
He said the senator’s developmental interventions had continued to earn widespread support and commendation from constituents.
“Senator Ned Nwoko has remained focused on initiatives that directly improve the lives of the people. His achievements in human capital development, infrastructure and social interventions continue to resonate across Delta North,” he said.
The Director of Administration, Hon. Somadina Anwasia, described the programme as a strategic effort to enhance household incomes, reduce unemployment and stimulate economic activities across communities in the senatorial district.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the senator for providing them with opportunities to acquire entrepreneurial skills and access business support packages capable of transforming their economic prospects.
Among those who spoke were Chibuogwu Aniyor from Aniocha North, Ofuani Cletus Nkadilim from Aniocha South, Mordi Kingsley from Oshimili North, Stanley Okonta Dibie from Ika South, Nkwor-Kalo Ezekiel from Ika North East, Nwadialor Salvation from Ndokwa East, Uwadia Joshua Chukwudi from Ndokwa West and Nzete Gilbert from Ukwuani Local Government Area.
They commended Senator Nwoko for sustaining people-oriented programmes and prioritising initiatives that directly impact livelihoods across the district.
Highlights of the event included lectures on entrepreneurship and business management, the presentation of grants and POS machines funded by Senator Nwoko, and the award of certificates to participants.
The empowerment programme, stakeholders noted, reflects the senator’s continued commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, encouraging self-reliance and driving sustainable socio-economic development across Delta North Senatorial District.
