The Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. (High Chief) Ezenyili Kelvin Obi (Ph.D.), has flagged off the ₦100 million EKO Empowerment for Sheriff’s MORE Agenda, describing the initiative as a bold step towards poverty alleviation, youth empowerment and grassroots economic revival.
The empowerment programme, which targets 1,000 beneficiaries across the local government area, was officially unveiled in Asaba, with the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, on Tuesday December 23, 2025, Hon. Obi said the programme was inspired by the Governor’s MORE Agenda and designed to strengthen small-scale businesses, promote skill acquisition and create sustainable livelihoods, particularly during the yuletide season.
“Today marks another major milestone for this administration. The EKO Empowerment Programme is a deliberate intervention to support our youths, artisans and small business owners who only need a little push to become economically stable and independent,” the Chairman stated.
He stressed that no society could truly grow if its most productive population remained unemployed or under-empowered, noting that financial empowerment remained a critical foundation for sustainable development.
“I have listened to the cries of our entrepreneurs who only need ₦50,000 to purchase a new clipper, or ₦100,000 to restock their shops during this festive season. This programme is a turning point for them and their businesses,” he said.
The Council Chairman emphasized that the empowerment exercise was all-inclusive, cutting across political, ethnic and religious lines, with Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo communities fully integrated into the process.
According to him, a transparent and rigorous selection process was adopted to ensure the funds reached genuine beneficiaries.
“We partnered with ward leaders and community representatives, issuing strict instructions that forms be given only to verifiable small business owners and trained entrepreneurs.
“All submissions were thoroughly vetted by a council committee to guarantee transparency and accountability,” Obi explained.
He urged beneficiaries to deploy the funds wisely, describing the empowerment as a seed that must be nurtured with discipline and commitment.
“I urge all beneficiaries to make the most of this golden opportunity. Use it to grow your businesses and secure your future. In a season like this, wisdom in managing small beginnings makes all the difference,” he added.
Hon. Obi also gave an account of his stewardship since assuming office, highlighting key achievements including the commissioning of the Oko Event Centre, completion of modern market stalls at Cable Point, construction of a new administrative secretariat, procurement of security vehicles, provision of transformers and generators, establishment of a security shortcode (7745), youth digital skills training with Apple laptops, healthcare interventions, and over ₦263 million in financial assistance to vulnerable groups between 2024 and 2025.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, commended the Oshimili South Chairman for aligning local governance with the state’s development blueprint.
“This empowerment programme is a practical expression of the MORE Agenda. Empowerment is not just about financial support; it is about building economic resilience, alleviating poverty and strengthening human capital,” the Governor said.
He urged beneficiaries to see the grant as a seed and emphasized the importance of peace and protection of public assets for sustainable development.
The event drew party leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women groups and members of the press.
Hon. Obi thanked Governor Oborevwori, the council executive, legislature, staff and the people of Oshimili South for their support, while wishing residents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
