ASABA/Nigeria: No fewer than 500 women and youths from communities across the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District have received grants, Point of Sale (POS) machines and entrepreneurial training under a large-scale empowerment initiative facilitated by the Senator representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 98 political wards in the district, were equipped with business development skills and financial support packages in a move aimed at promoting self-reliance, reducing unemployment and strengthening economic activities across the senatorial zone.
The two-day capacity-building and empowerment programme brought together participants from various communities in Delta North and focused on practical entrepreneurship training, financial management and wealth creation strategies designed to enhance sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the programme, Senator Nwoko, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Engr. Emmanuel Eboh, said the initiative was deliberately designed to provide lasting economic opportunities rather than short-term financial assistance.
According to him, the beneficiaries were exposed to practical business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills necessary for successful enterprise development and financial independence.
He explained that the certificates awarded to participants at the end of the programme would further improve their employability, particularly in the production and manufacturing sectors.
“The objective of this programme is to strengthen the economic capacity of our women and youths through sustainable empowerment. Beyond the financial support, beneficiaries have acquired valuable knowledge on business development, opportunities, challenges and the strategies required for success.
“The grants and POS machines will enable them to immediately establish or expand their businesses. We are not just providing assistance; we are equipping people with the tools and knowledge required to create wealth and become economically independent,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to Senator Nwoko, Dr. Michael Nwoko, described the programme as a demonstration of the senator’s commitment to human capital development, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
He disclosed that over 1,220 women, youths, farmers and market traders had benefitted from similar empowerment programmes facilitated by Senator Nwoko within the last three years.
Dr. Nwoko noted that beyond his legislative responsibilities at the National Assembly, the senator had continued to execute constituency projects and educational support initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of the people.
He said the lawmaker’s development-oriented representation had continued to attract commendation from constituents across the district.
“The Distinguished Senator has shown unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Delta North. Across the district, there is growing appreciation for his achievements and increasing calls for him to sustain and expand these interventions,” he stated.
The Director of Administration, Hon. Somadina Anwasia, described the initiative as a strategic response to prevailing economic challenges, noting that empowering women and youths would contribute significantly to improving household incomes and promoting social stability.
According to him, sustainable empowerment remains one of the most effective ways of tackling poverty and stimulating grassroots economic development.
Beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to Senator Nwoko for providing them with the opportunity to acquire entrepreneurial skills and receive business support packages capable of transforming their economic fortunes.
Among them 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.
The beneficiaries commended the senator for prioritising programmes that directly impact livelihoods and create opportunities for economic advancement across Delta North.
Highlights of the programme included lectures on entrepreneurship and business management, the distribution of grants and POS machines funded by Senator Nwoko, and the presentation of certificates to participants.
The initiative further underscored Senator Nwoko’s commitment to empowering constituents through sustainable economic interventions aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and long-term socio-economic development across Delta North Senatorial District.
