By Emmanuel Enebeli
EFFURUN/Nigeria: Senator Ede Dafinone has reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Delta Central, urging constituents to take full advantage of federal empowerment and employment opportunities facilitated through his office. The senator gave the assurance on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Delta Central Community Youth Empowerment and Engagement Programme held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.
Addressing over 1,000 youths from the eight local government areas in the district, Senator Dafinone said his role as their representative goes beyond politics, stressing that his office is open to all, regardless of who voted for him. He described the engagement as a platform to bridge the information gap and mobilize youths to access opportunities provided by federal agencies such as SMEDAN, the Nigeria Police, FRSC, Customs, and the armed forces.
The senator lamented that Delta Central has often failed to fully utilize recruitment slots and federal empowerment initiatives, a trend he is determined to reverse by ensuring proper data collection and direct liaison with youth groups across the district. He emphasized the need for youths to stay informed and connected through their group leaders to benefit from future interventions.
Dafinone also expressed concern that some previous empowerment beneficiaries had sold off their starter packs at cheap prices, while others who embraced the initiative are now thriving. He announced plans to publish a report on the progress of the 200 initial beneficiaries to promote accountability and encourage proper utilization of resources.
The event featured the distribution of sewing machines and accessories to fashion design trainees from the district, along with POS machines and startup funds, as well as application forms for youths interested in joining military and paramilitary agencies. The senator assured that more initiatives are in the pipeline to ensure Delta Central youths are not left behind in national development.
Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, applauded the senator’s inclusive and proactive leadership. He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the support provided and advised them to maintain faith in their leaders.
The programme culminated in a resounding vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone. The motion was moved by Rt. Hon. Rire Oboeruomo, Leader of the Uvwie Legislative Arm, and seconded by Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emojeya of Ethiope East, receiving unanimous backing from the youths in attendance.
Other dignitaries at the event included Hon. Tony Ofoni, Uvwie Council Chairman Hon. Ramson Onoyake, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Hon. Happy Umukoro, and legislative leaders from across the senatorial district, all of whom lauded the senator’s efforts in empowering the next generation.
